If you are missing one or more teeth, you should talk to your dentist about different options for replacing those teeth. Although you may be tempted to just live without a few teeth – particularly if you’re just missing one tooth – you can cause more harm than good by doing that. Over time, the other teeth in your mouth will shift in place to fill in the gap that’s left behind by the missing teeth, and that will impact your bite and possibly cause pain and discomfort as well. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to replace missing teeth.
- Partial denture: Your dentist can create a partial denture to replace one or more missing teeth. A partial consists of porcelain crowns affixed to a metal frame. The frame fits over the existing teeth on either side of the gap left behind by missing teeth. Partials can be removed by the wearer, which appeals to some people. However, partials have some of the same drawbacks as full dentures – they can slip or move inside the mouth if they’re not secured or don’t fit properly.
- Dental bridge: A bridge is similar to a partial denture, except that it is not removable by the patient. Bridges are sometimes appealing to people because they are intended to be permanent and don’t require any special cleaning methods, such as is required for partial dentures, but bridges have their limitations as well. Often, bridges require that healthy teeth on either side of the bridge be cut down to accommodate the bridge. Dental bridges that are fitted onto the lower jaw of the patient may need to be replaced more often. And if a bridge becomes damaged, bacteria may accumulate under the bridge and decay can form there.
- Dental implant: One method for replacing teeth that has become increasingly popular are dental implants. An implant consists of an artificial root (usually made of titanium) that is surgically implanted into the patient’s jaw. After a few months, the jawbone fuses to the artificial root, after which the dentist affixes a porcelain crown to the top of the implant. These appliances are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are not removable, and they function and look very much like a natural tooth. Adjacent teeth don’t need to be altered in order to accommodate an implant, and implants don’t require any special cleaning methods.
Whatever method you choose to replace missing teeth, the important thing to remember is that missing teeth should be replaced. Ask your dentist for more information and discuss which option is best for you.
