Tooth Replacement Options For One Or More Missing Teeth

Many people suffer from tooth loss. Some people may only lose one tooth in a palate. However, others may lose multiple teeth from their upper or lower jaw.

If you have lost several permanent teeth, the loss may be negatively impacting your appearance and your ability to chew. Even though the permanent teeth do not regenerate, you can still enjoy a full smile. 

Dental applications are available to replace one or more missing teeth. Here are a few of the tooth-replacement options that your dentist may offer.

Removable Partial Denture

A partial denture is used to replace a number of teeth that are missing from the same palate. The partial appliance is a removable device that consists of retainers, connectors, a base, and false teeth. The artificial teeth of the denture are made of materials that are strong enough to withstand the pressure of mastication, such as porcelain or resin. 

The connectors of the denture secure it in the mouth by attaching it to the surrounding teeth. Unlike full upper dentures, the partial dentures cannot be secured in the mouth by the suction created as the appliance rests against the soft tissues. Thus the connectors are necessary.

Fixed Dental Bridge

Another option for replacing multiple missing teeth is the fixed dental bridge. Unlike the partial denture, the fixed bridge is not removable. It is permanently attached to the abutment teeth in the mouth. 

The bridge includes artificial teeth and bridge crowns attached to a base. The crowns fit over the abutment teeth that border the gap in the mouth. 

Before a bridge crown is placed over an abutment tooth, the dentist reduces the size of the tooth by removing some of the tooth material. This alteration makes the abutment teeth susceptible to decay and infection. Thus, the teeth must remain covered by crowns for protection.

Dental Implants

Individual dental implants topped by dental crowns can also be used to replace the lost teeth. The implants are surgically inserted through the gums into the jawbone. There, they integrate with the jawbone as the bone cells grow around the implanted devices. 

After an implant wound has healed, the dentist can contour the gums around the device and fit the dental implant with an abutment. The dental provider later tops the abutment with a dental crown to complete the restoration. 

If you have lost one or more teeth and would like to have them replaced with a prosthetic application such as dental bridges or dental implants, contact the office of a dentist in your local area to schedule an appointment.


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