If you’ve lost one or more of your teeth in Escondido, you may be wondering what your options are for tooth replacement at the office of Dr. Douglas G. Hope. So in this blog, we’ll discuss the top 5 dental options for missing teeth, and explain the basics, pros, and cons of each one. Let’s get started.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants are used to replace a single missing tooth. They use a screw-shaped metal “post.” This is implanted into the gums and jaw to function as an artificial tooth root. Then, a porcelain dental crown is built. This crown attaches to the implant, restoring your tooth.
Dental implants are very long-lasting, durable, and natural. However, they do require a 3-6 month placement process, and are more expensive than other methods of single-tooth replacement, such as dental bridges or a partial denture.
2. Dental Bridges Or Implant-Supported Bridges
A dental bridge uses two healthy “abutment teeth” to support one or more false teeth. Crowns are attached to these abutment teeth, which are located on either side of the gap in your smile. Then, one or more false teeth are suspended in the gap in your smile, “bridging” the gap.
Bridges look and feel natural, and have a long lifespan. They also do not move or shift, unlike dentures. This makes them a good option for many patients.
Implant-supported bridges are also available. Instead of abutment teeth, they use two dental implants to support a row of 3+ teeth. They may be a good option if you’re missing several adjacent teeth, but you’re not a candidate for traditional bridges.
3. Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are meant to replace one or more missing teeth. They use a metal and plastic framework, which snaps onto your remaining healthy teeth. They are typically the most affordable way to replace one or several missing teeth.
However, it can take some time to get used to partial dentures, and they still can move and shift, even though they’re locked in place by your healthy teeth. Because of this, they are often used as a temporary solution until patients can get a dental bridge or dental implants.
4. Full Dentures
Full dentures are used to replace a full row of missing teeth. They are made of a gum-colored acrylic base, which supports a full set of teeth. They can be used to replace the upper, lower, or both rows of the teeth.
They are only a good option if you’ve already lost most or all of your teeth. This is because any remaining healthy teeth must be extracted to get full dentures. However, they are usually the most cost-effective option if you need to replace a full mouth of teeth. And with a little practice, you’ll be able to smile, speak, and eat normally once again.
5. Implant-Supported Dentures
Just like traditional full dentures, implant-supported dentures can replace one or both rows of the teeth. But instead of resting on the gums, they snap onto a series of 4-6 dental implants, which are surgically implanted into your jaws and gums.
This means that implant-supported dentures will not move, and they also help support the health of your jaw bone. They also look and feel more natural, since they are typically made of porcelain. Depending on the type of dentures, they may be permanently attached to your implants, or they may be removable.
While implant-supported dentures are more expensive than traditional full dentures, they also last a lot longer. This makes them a great long-term investment. However, not everyone qualifies for this treatment. At your appointment, Dr. Hope can examine your mouth, assess your oral health, and determine if implant-supported dentures are right for you.
Missing One Or More Teeth In Escondido? Contact Us Today!
Whether you’re missing just one tooth or a full mouth of teeth, Dr. Douglas Hope can help. As an expert restorative dentist, he can replace your missing teeth, restore your smile, and preserve your oral health.
Get help right away. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to replace your missing teeth. Contact us online or give us a call at (760) 480-8883 to schedule your consultation immediately. We’re always accepting new patients!
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