What are my Options for Tooth Replacement?

With nearly 178 million US adults missing at least one tooth and many options for replacement, it’s important to know all of your options so you can make the most well informed decision.

Single Tooth Implant

If you are missing a single tooth, then a single tooth implant to replace it may be your best option if there is enough bone remaining. An implant acts like the root of a tooth and a crown is then placed on top of it. An implant’s benefits are that it looks and functions like a regular tooth. Unlike a natural tooth, an implant is not susceptible to tooth decay, although it can fail due to periodontal disease. If you are a candidate for an implant, they are easily one of the best choices.

Dental-Implant in Tumwater, WA

Bridge

If you are missing one or two teeth, a bridge may be a good option for you. A bridge can be very advantageous if you don’t have enough bone remaining for implants OR if teeth adjacent to those missing are in need of repair as well. The bridge not only replaces a missing tooth but provides crown coverage to those teeth nearby creating a three or four unit permanent prosthesis. One downside to a bridge is that because all of the teeth become connected by the bridge unit, if one tooth suffers from decay then the whole bridge must be removed and replaced. 

Partial Denture

If you are missing one or two teeth, a bridge may be a good option for you. A bridge can be very advantageous if you don’t have enough bone remaining for implants OR if teeth adjacent to those missing are in need of repair as well. The bridge not only replaces a missing tooth but provides crown coverage to those teeth nearby creating a three or four unit permanent prosthesis. One downside to a bridge is that because all of the teeth become connected by the bridge unit, if one tooth suffers from decay then the whole bridge must be removed and replaced. 

Partial-Denture

Full Arch Denture

If you have severe bone loss and/or are missing many teeth a full denture may be the best option. Although a denture does require bone for support, it may not require as much as implants. Many people find success with a full upper denture, but a full lower denture can be more difficult to get used to. A lower denture doesn’t benefit from the suction mechanism that the upper denture does. 

Multi-Implant Supported Denture, Fixed or Removable 

Like the full arch denture, if you are missing many or all of your teeth the implant supported denture may be a good option. This involves typically placing 4-6 implants per arch that the denture connects to. This helps provide support so the denture doesn’t slide around. Having this security often provides improved self-esteem for anyone missing teeth. It can also make eating and speaking easier. An implant-supported denture can be either fixed or removable. If it is fixed, your dentist will be able to remove it for periodic cleaning. If it is removable, you will be able to remove and replace it daily yourself. 

Whatever your tooth replacement needs are there are many options to choose from. Your dentist will be able to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your oral health. If you have questions regarding any of your options do not hesitate to ask! 

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