As a dentist office, we like to keep your teeth where they belong – right inside your mouth. Unfortunately, our efforts can’t always save your tooth. When this happens, what we can do is provide you three other options to fix missing teeth: dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Our dentists will suggest one of these options depending on your specific needs.
Dental Implants
Implants are one of the most common ways to fix missing teeth because they appear just like your natural tooth. If you opt to go this route, our dentists will surgically insert the titanium implant into your jawbone where it will act as a “root” for dentures, partial dentures, or crowns.
Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
Although dental implants are a great option, this type of restorative dentistry isn’t for everyone. A good candidate has healthy gums, good bone density, great overall oral health, healthy lifestyle habits, and are free of chronic illnesses or diabetes. Talk to our dental team to find out if implants are the right choice for you. One of the other two options might be a better fit!
Dental Bridges
We don’t take it personally that you don’t want your dentistry to look dentistry – you want it to look natural. Dental bridges do just that. As the name suggests, the teeth on either side of the missing one are used to support the fake tooth in between them.
Your bridge can be either tooth-fixed or implant-fixed depending on what our dentist thinks best fits your needs.
Tooth-Fixed Dental Bridges
A tooth-fixed dental bridge uses two crowns cemented to the teeth on either side of the missing one. They then support the replacement tooth in between them.
This procedure is fairly non-invasive and easy to maintain but is a bit more expensive than a removable denture.
Implant-Fixed Dental Bridges
The other option is an implant-fixed dental bridge. Like the tooth-fixed bridge, the implant-fixed use the teeth on either side to support the bridge. The only difference is that instead of being your natural teeth on the sides of the bridge, they’re implants.
This is the best option if you are looking replace multiple teeth in a row as it feels and looks natural, is a bit more affordable than getting just one implant, but does involve a small surgery.
Dentures
There are two types of dentures we can use to fix missing teeth: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures replace all of the teeth in your mouth. Alternatively, partial dentures only replace the teeth that are missing. Both can either be screwed into dental implants or placed directly onto the gum if you are looking for a removable option.
Complete dentures and partial dentures are both comfortable, natural-appearing ways to fix your smile. However, they may rub or make it difficult to eat regular foods.
Our Anderson, IN Dentists, Can Help You Explore Your Options!
If you’re wondering how to fix your missing teeth, give our Anderson dental office a call at (765) 622-7000! We can help you decide which option is best for you: dental implants, bridges, or dentures.