Which tooth replacement option is right for me?
Missing teeth?
There are many reasons for tooth loss. Cavities, gum disease, and injury or trauma to the face are all common causes. Regardless of why, if you are missing a tooth you probably already understand the implications this can have for the appearance of your smile and your confidence. A gap in your teeth can also influence your speech and eating. What you may not know, is that leaving a gap unfilled in the mouth can actually jeopardize the structural integrity and overall wellness of your jaw and mouth. Fortunately, you have options when it comes to replacing teeth.
Bridge the gap
A bridge is a fixture that connects a prosthetic tooth to the adjacent teeth in the mouth. After a dentist takes impressions of your teeth and gap, a dental laboratory produces a custom bridge. This can take some time and you may be required to use a temporary replacement until the custom bridge is ready. The teeth next to the gap must then be prepared for the bridge, which will be fitted and bonded overtop. The custom bridge is fitted to your gap, adjusted and cemented in place. A bridge looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. They often cost more than dentures but less than implants.
Plan for implants
A dental implant consists of a post that is surgically placed into the jawbone, beneath the gums. This post will become a sturdy anchor for a replacement tooth as the jaw bone begins to grow around it to hold it in place. A period of healing is required after surgery, but the implant can last years or even decades. After healing, a custom replacement tooth is attached to the implanted post. A dental implant can be used to replace a single or multiple missing teeth. It is the most similar to the natural tooth and is the most durable option. However, because it involves surgery, it is a big commitment and should be undertaken by your trusted . It may cost more and can be a lengthy process due to the healing time in between surgical post placement and prosthesis attachment. If you are seeking dental implant services such as surgery or maintenance in Saskatoon, the team at Midtown Dental is ready to walk you through the entire process.
Dentures aren’t just for grampa
A partial denture is a removable tooth replacement option consisting of one or more artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored base on a metal frame which is fitted to the exact size and shape of your gap. A partial denture will usually have clasps that attach it to the adjacent teeth, which may also require protective crowns or caps for the adjacent teeth. It takes some time to adjust to a partial denture which may feel uncomfortable or tight when it is new. It will not feel the same as a natural tooth but will function just as well once you get used to it. It should be worn 24 hours hours a day, and removed daily for cleaning. This option is usually less costly than implants or bridges, but may require more frequent replacement as it can break or become lost, and won’t adapt to the changes of your mouth as you age.
Seek reliable cosmetic dental services for your tooth replacement
How to best replace a missing tooth is an important decision. If you are considering any kind of tooth replacement or cosmetic dentistry in Saskatoon, your dentist at Midtown Dental can go over all of your options with you so that you can make the best choice for your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Let the team at Midtown Dental help you take back your smile.
