Missing Tooth Replacement Options – What Are My Choices?

2nd October 2021

Missing Tooth Replacement Options – What Are My Choices?

If you’re reading this article, then it’s likely that you’re considering your missing tooth replacement options and wondering what’s best for you. Well, the good news is that thanks to advances in modern dentistry, there are more options than ever before. 

Options include dental implants, removable dentures, dentures supported by implants, and fixed bridges supported by natural teeth. 

Which type of restoration you choose may depend on your budget, your circumstances and, of course, the advice of your dentist. 

 

Why you can’t ignore the situation?

options missing tooth replacement options sydneyOf course, you could sit back and do nothing at all, but we strongly advise against this. When a tooth is lost, the neighbouring teeth move towards the gap, leading to a misaligned bite. 

More importantly, failure to replace a missing tooth puts you at risk of losing bone density. Ideally, it’s necessary to chew on both sides of the mouth to preserve healthy, strong jaws. 

So all of that said, let’s look at some of the most common treatments to replace a missing tooth. 

 

3 of the most common missing tooth replacement options 

 

Bridgework 

Bridges have long been a popular solution for those patients looking to replace one or more missing teeth. However, they do have several disadvantages compared to a dental implant, for instance.

The main problem with a fixed bridge is that the teeth on either side of the tooth gap secure the bridge, which involves griding them down to accommodate dental crowns. So, in this scenario, while a patient is replacing a single missing tooth, two other healthy teeth are compromised to make room for the bridge. 

Another disadvantage of a fixed bridge is the difficulty in cleaning under and around it. A removable bridge is the easiest to clean as a patient can take it out of their mouth every day to clean, and it doesn’t require any surgery. 

 

Dentures

A removable partial denture is another of your missing tooth replacement options. It can replace one or more missing teeth that don’t have to be adjacent to one another.

Modern-day removable dentures look pretty natural and rest on top of the gums. However, they do tend to shift and move over time. Moreover, because they put pressure on the gums and jaws, they may accelerate bone loss. 

 

Dental implants 

And now for the third of our missing tooth replacement optionsdental implants. A dental implant provides a permanent solution to missing teeth. Because implants are inserted into the jaw bone, they also address the problem of missing tooth roots. Consequently, when a person with a dental implant chews, the jawbone is stimulated, preventing further bone loss. 

In addition, because a dental implant fits into the jawbone, it looks, feels, and acts just like a natural tooth, so it’s such a popular option for replacing a missing tooth. 

 

How dental implants work? 

A dental implant is a screw-like fixture made from titanium that is bio-compatible to the human body. Minor surgery is required to place the implant into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. An oral surgeon or an experienced implant dentist will perform the surgery. 

Over several weeks or months, the surrounding bone grows around the dental implant in a natural process known as osseointegration, making it a permanent fixture in the mouth. 

suitable missing tooth replacement options sydneyOnce the implant has stabilised, it is strong enough to support a dental crown and has the potential to last for many years to come with the proper care.

Dental implants require a healthy mouth and dense bone, so not everyone is a suitable candidate right away. Any gum disease or cavities will need to be treated by your dentist, and in the event that your gum is thinning, a bone graft may be required. Since this is an additional surgical procedure, it will add extra healing time and cost to the overall dental implant procedure.

Other people who may not be suitable candidates for dental implants are those that smoke tobacco products and those with medical conditions, including

  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Weakened immune system
  • Drug users

A person also needs to have a fully formed jaw before receiving a dental implant

 

Dental implants can replace any number of missing teeth

Many people don’t realise that dental implants don’t only replace missing teeth on a like for like basis. Instead, implants also provide other solutions for those missing several or even all of their teeth. 

 

  • All-on-4 dental implants

Patients missing all their teeth in one or both jaws can often benefit from a procedure known as All-on-4 dental implants or ‘teeth in a day’. As you’ve probably guessed from the title, four mini implants support a denture and are not only a more affordable solution than individual implants but stronger than a removable denture too

 

  • A fixed bridge supported by dental implants

If you are missing several teeth next to each other, another option is a fixed bridge supported by implants. This type of bridge can be cemented or screwed into position without the need to compromise adjacent teeth, as mentioned in the fixed bridge option at the beginning of this article. The bridge remains in place permanently and can only be removed by your dentist. Even better, you can eat practically any food you want without restriction. 

If you still have questions about missing tooth replacement options, please don’t hesitate to contact the friendly dental teams at a No Gaps dental clinic. We will be happy to discuss your best options based on your dental needs, budget, and lifestyle. 

Contact No Gaps Dental today on (02) 8806 0227 or book an appointment and take the first step towards a healthy and complete smile once more. 

 

 

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.