Tooth Replacement Options

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million adults in the United States have lost at least one tooth. After going through the loss of a tooth and seeing a gap in your mouth, you may be unsure of what tooth replacement options might be available to you. Learn more about potential tooth replacement options below.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge helps “bridge” the gap a missing tooth creates by supporting a false tooth. There are different types of dental bridges, including:

• Traditional
• Maryland
• Cantilever
• Implant-supported 

A traditional bridge uses two crowns cemented onto adjacent teeth. These crowns support the false tooth. 

A Maryland bridge is similar; however, instead of using crowns, it incorporates metal pieces that attach to the back of the adjacent teeth. Once cemented into place, the metal pieces offer the support that the pontic, or false tooth, requires. 

A cantilever bridge is another option. It works best for those who don’t have two healthy adjacent teeth, as it only requires one crown to support the pontic. 

Implant-supported bridges are another excellent option for those who do not have healthy teeth at the treatment site. By adding implants instead of relying on crowns, you can still get the replacement tooth or teeth. 

Dental Implants

One of the most popular tooth replacement options, dental implants, are posts made of titanium that can be fitted into your jaw or gums. They function like a tooth’s root. Some dental implants require abutments to hold the false tooth in place, while options like mini dental implants do not.  

Because of their size, mini dental implants require less invasive procedures, making them a faster and more affordable option. 

Dentures

Another tooth replacement option is dentures. Although traditional dentures have many drawbacks, implant-retained dentures offer more stability. 

Implant-retained dentures are similar to traditional dentures, but they attach to implants. This fixes them in place so that you can enjoy speaking and eating without worrying about the dentures slipping out of place. You still have to remove these dentures each night. 

Permanent dentures are another type of device that uses dental implants, but they are permanent. Only your dentist can remove this type of denture. 

How to Choose the Right Tooth Replacement

Your budget can impact the tooth replacement option you choose. Standard dental implants, for example, are more expensive than mini implants. Some dental bridge options can also be more costly than others. 

Another factor may be how long the procedure takes. Mini dental implants are much quicker to set in place, and implant-retained dentures can also be a faster option than standard dental implants. 

Come to Vegas Dental Experts for a free consultation with Dr. Harvey Chin. He will be able to offer options that fit your unique needs after conducting an assessment. You also have the chance to ask questions about what to expect from the different options. 

Ask the Experts

If you have missing teeth and are not sure about the tooth replacement options best suited for your needs, turn to experts like Dr. Chin at Vegas Dental Experts. We provide high-quality services and state-of-the-art facilities that can offer the results you want. 

Contact Dr. Chin today to schedule your free consultation to decide on the right tooth replacement solution.