Missing Teeth

Periodontal disease, dental decay, or trauma are the most common causes of tooth loss. It can generate an unattractive look and jeopardize the health of the jawbone when one or even more natural teeth are lost.

In addition to causing the remaining teeth to shift if untreated, missing teeth could impede a patient's ability to bite. Fortunately, several dental procedures may give people a smile they can be proud of. For their missing teeth, patients can select from a variety of treatments. The solutions to missing teeth are below.

Dental Implant

A dental implant is a fantastic option for tooth replacement. When eating, brushing, as well as smiling, this treatment feels and functions similar to a natural tooth. The implant, which replaces the tooth's real root, recovers in the bone over several months. Next, the Spokane dentist set an abutment, on which a crown will be cemented.

The fact that no other teeth must be changed to place an implant is a huge benefit. A single missing tooth can be replaced by an implant, several implants can replace numerous missing teeth. No one can distinguish the difference between an implant and a natural tooth whether speaking or smiling.

Dental Implant Advantages

The main benefit is that the replaced tooth can survive for decades and looks much like a natural tooth. Implants don't affect surrounding teeth meaning the rest of the teeth will be unharmed.

Dental Implant Drawbacks

You'll be required to be in good physical condition for surgery and recuperation because this is a surgical treatment. Additionally, the recovery period might last for several months. So, the tooth won't be fixed by your Spokane dentist until it has fully recovered. Additionally, dental implants are often more costly than other tooth replacement solutions. Some insurance plans could pay for the operation, but you might be liable for the deductible as well as co-pays.

Dental Bridge

With the use of dental bridges missing teeth can be replaced. Crowns, permanent dental prostheses, are usually installed on natural teeth serving as an anchor and providing additional support. For your new crowns to fit correctly, the operation entails the dentist wearing down these teeth.

Following that, the dentist in Spokane uses specialist dental putty to make a mold of the teeth. An alloy, porcelain, gold, and gold alloys, or a mix of these materials, are used to design and create the bridge using this mold by laboratory professionals. A temporary bridge will then be fitted by the dentist to cover your exposed teeth and gums until a permanent bridge can be placed.

The best Spokane dentist will remove the temporary bridge and install the customized one during your second appointment. The permanent bridge is subsequently evaluated by the dentist for fit and bite. If needed, necessary adjustments are made. Dental cement will be used on the tooth by the dentist to secure it.

Dental Bridge Advantages

Bridges are advantageous since they have a natural appearance and feel. You could notice that they make your natural teeth from either side of the gap seem better. They are often less expensive than dental implants.

Dental Bridge Drawbacks

Cleaning the area around the tooth below the bridge might be challenging. Bridges need modifying pre-existing teeth. Additionally, over time, a bridge that is not properly placed might harm surrounding teeth. Additionally, germs and plaque may infiltrate under the bridge, leading to tooth damage or an infection.

Removable Partial Dentures

If your front teeth are missing, it may be quite humiliating. All of your missing teeth can be replaced with a detachable partial denture that's worn during the day. Metal clasps may sometimes be required to keep a partial denture in place in the mouth. Unfortunately, whether speaking or smiling, these metal clasps could be noticeable.

A removable partial denture has the additional drawback of tending to shift slightly while speaking or eating, which can be painful. We advise removing them at night so they can soak in a cleaning solution. The least expensive choice is a partial denture since no teeth need to be filed down. All lost teeth can be replaced with a complete denture.

Partial Dentures Advantages

In comparison to other tooth replacement choices, removable partial dentures are less costly, easier to repair, and have a more natural appearance and feel in the mouth.

Partial Dentures' Drawbacks

Partial dentures may be painful for some people, especially until they get used to wearing them. You should take out your dentures every day to clean them, and you should also take them out at night. They could be more prone to damage as a result of repeated handling.

Temporary Dentures

The temporary denture can replace a lost tooth in the short term. Since they can easily flip in and out, they are referred to as "flippers." This is employed when the tooth will eventually be repaired with a bridge or maybe an implant, but healing at the region is not yet complete. Similar to removable partial dentures, but often less durable, bulkier, and less costly. Making a flipper does not change the surrounding teeth.

Full Dentures

Most people probably think of full dentures whenever they think about dentures. These are insertable units that combine artificial gums and teeth. A complete arch will be replaced with full dentures. The fantastic thing about them is that complete dentures frequently enable patients to enhance their quality of life. It will be difficult to consume anything substantial if you have several missing teeth. Patients who wear dentures regain their bite.

Conclusion

Speak to our dentist at Spokane Dental about your choices for replacing a lost tooth if you are missing teeth due to an accident, gum disease, or tooth decay. The price will vary based on the type of repair you choose, how many teeth you need to restore, and even where you live. The replacement cost will vary depending on some health insurance plans. If not, several dental practices provide financing or payment options.

These treatment methods are successful, and with proper cleaning and maintenance, dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures will often survive for several years or even decades. Contact Dr. Jonathan Smith today!