3 Tooth Replacement Options: Which Is Appropriate For You?

Tooth replacement options are available when you lost your tooth. Fortunately, we have listed down three of these options for replacing missing teeth. You are one lucky fellow to have landed in this article. Additionally, Radiant Smiles in Bundoora can help you decide which replacement option is best for your missing teeth. Don’t worry! These replacement options appear like natural teeth. So, no one will notice them quickly inside your mouth.

Replacing Missing Teeth

Generally speaking, it is essential to replace missing teeth. A missing tooth can have a significant effect on your mouth, including your oral structure and functions. Losing one or more teeth may relatively cause oral problems. It can also make you look and feel old. There are various reasons why a person loses their teeth. But the leading causes are gum disease and tooth decay.

Severe conditions of these two oral issues can lead to permanent tooth loss. Missing teeth affect the way you eat, talk, or smile. For this reason, you need to choose a tooth replacement option. Your dentist will provide you with all the details you need during selection. Furthermore, these options can blend well with your existing teeth as if they are all-natural.

So, let’s not keep you waiting. Let’s grasp the options available to replace the tooth that bids farewell on your mouth. Sooner or later, you can be all smiles with a complete set of teeth. Your friendly dentists are here to care for your oral health.

Tooth Replacement Options

Several dental options are available for a missing tooth. But we will be discussing the three typical devices a dentist usually suggests.

1 Dental Implants

Generally speaking, this treatment option is one of the famous choices to replace a missing tooth. Furthermore, it is not only for a single tooth but as many as needed. Dental implants consist of metal posts that will replace the tooth roots.

The metal posts use titanium material that the dentist or surgeon will surgically place in the space where you lost your tooth. Afterward, the dental implants attached will integrate with your jawbone beneath the gums. Dental implants serve as a strong foundation for either fixed or removable replacement teeth.

However, if you have insufficient healthy bones to support the implants, your dentist may require you a bone graft procedure. On top of the dental implant, your dentist may put a crown or bridge to serve as the replacement tooth. The crowns or bridges match your natural tooth and also with the same function. Read this post if you want to see how much will a dental implant cost you.

2 Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are another option for you. In this case, a plastic base (pink or gum-colored) is holding the replacement teeth. Partial dentures may include a metal framework and clasps connecting to your teeth. Meanwhile, natural-looking connectors are also available. With removable partial dentures, you have to take them out for cleaning. You can ask your dentist how to care for your partial dentures properly.

In some cases, the dentist may require crowns on your natural teeth. In effect, the fitting of the partial dentures will improve. If the partial denture does not have a perfect fit, you would probably need a denture relining. The cost of denture relining depends on various factors but usually ranges between $300 to $500.

Meanwhile, a dental implant can also support dentures, called implant-supported dentures. It usually composes four to six implants and a unique set of dentures. Implants provide these dentures the support it needs without the fear of accidental removal from the mouth.

3 Fixed Bridges

Fixed bridges are dental devices that serve as fillers for the space left by one or more teeth. It is a kind of device connecting the replacement tooth to the adjacent teeth. Moreover, it is available in various types: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported bridge.

A traditional bridge fills in space along with the natural teeth, referred to as abutment teeth. They call the replacement teeth the pontic teeth. The abutment teeth on either side of the gap will both use crowns to hold the pontic teeth in place. Meanwhile, a cantilever bridge is like a traditional bridge. The difference is that a cantilever bridge only connects with an abutment tooth on one side.

Lastly, a Maryland bridge uses metal bands where the pontic teeth are in. This bridge usually applies to missing front teeth. In choosing bridges, the patient will need two dental visits. The first appointment will involve the preparation of the teeth and the application of temporary crowns. Then, the second appointment will be the placement of the permanent bridges.

The Cost of Tooth Replacement Options

The cost of an implant, a dental bridge, or a denture differs. Moreover, each can become expensive depending on your preference. An implant ranges between $3,000 to $5,000 for one tooth only. Additionally, there are other procedures associated with which you will pay separately.

As for a dental bridge, it ranges between $2,000 to $5,000 for traditional or cantilever. For Maryland, its price ranges between $1,500 to $2,500. Lastly, the implant-supported bridge has a cost of $5,000 to $15,000. Then, a partial denture is roughly $500 to $1500 and can still vary according to the denture type you chose.

Conclusion

Overall, it would be best to receive treatment to replace a missing tooth. Seek help from dental professionals to save your overall dental health. Otherwise, you might experience bone loss and other oral problems.