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Methods of Replacing Missing Teeth

A tooth may have been knocked out during an accident. One or more teeth may have been needed to be removed to make room for other teeth. A tooth extraction may have been necessary because the root died. Whatever the reason is for a missing teeth, they should be replaced shortly after the incident.

  1. Reason to Get Teeth Replaced

    • Missing teeth can impact long term oral health as well as overall health. Oral health is compromised because the surrounding teeth near the gap will move out of alignment. When teeth get out of alignment, more teeth may be lost. Missing teeth can impact overall health by making it more difficult to chew solid foods. This makes it difficult to get all of the required nutrients in a daily diet. Replacing missing teeth can ensure a person stays in good health. Missing teeth also impact self-esteem. A person with missing teeth may be hesitant to smile for fear of embarrassment. Missing teeth may also make a person look older. The replacement of teeth can boost confidence and enhance moods.

    Bridges

    • A bridge is a dental appliance cemented securely in place that cannot be taken out by the patient. A dental bridge can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. Dental bridges can be place on both the upper and lower parts of the mouth. The traditional bridge is known as a false tooth, or pontic tooth, and is held together with two crowns, or caps. A resin bonded bridge is when the false teeth are fused together with a metal band. This bridge is secured in the mouth by a resin cement. The cantilever bridge is used mainly when there is only one tooth that is being replaced.

    Removable Dentures

    • A removable denture is another method of replacing missing teeth. A removable denture is a prosthesis designed so that a patient can remove it when they want to. A removable denture is made up of a metal base, the artificial teeth and a resin base substance. The resin base needs to be applied each time the patient puts it back in. Temporary partial dentures are meant to be used for short periods of time. This typically means that the patient takes the denture out before going to bed. Definitive partial dentures are meant for longer usage. A stronger bonding sealant is used to keep this denture in place.

    Implants

    • Dental implants are an alternative to dentures. Implants help to restore a patient's mouth when there are little to no teeth than can be restored. Implants are more stable than traditional dentures, as they are inserted as "permanent" teeth into the gum. Implants ensure that a person chews properly, and they feel like normal teeth. Speech is easier with dental implants than with dentures. Dentures tend to slide around and make speech harder.

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