When a patient has lost multiple teeth, the effects on aesthetics and function can be more dramatic than when just a single tooth is absent. For patients facing this situation, identifying the best tooth replacement method becomes even more critical.
Patients have a number of options for replacing missing teeth. A removable partial denture, a fixed permanent bridge, full dentures or dental implants all may be considered, depending on the specifics of the case.
Dental implants are presently the best solution for multiple missing teeth, whether they are small in number or the patient is edentulous. A small number of dental implants may be placed side by side to fill in a short gap in the smile.
Alternatively, an oral surgeon can place four to six dental implants to anchor a prosthetic arch of teeth, which is a vast improvement on the conventional denture.
Dental implants are superior to the other options because they replace the entire structure of the missing tooth. Although we tend to underappreciate it because it’s hidden in the bone, the tooth’s root is essential to an attractive smile and stability of the mouth’s structure.
A tooth’s root serves as an anchor, and the jawbone will atrophy or erode as a result when a tooth is lost. In edentulous patients, this effect can be particularly dramatic, with severely pinched skin accompanying the shrinking jawbone. It results in a prematurely aged appearance for patients.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement method that helps to prevent jawbone erosion. With dentures or bridges, the shape of the jaw can still change over time. For denture wearers, this means having their appliances re-fitted every few years and a periodic need to get an entirely new set.
In addition to their structural advantages, dental implants are easier to maintain and they offer a more lifelike appearance. Dentures and bridges can be noticeable additions to the smile.
If you need to replace missing teeth, consult with our experienced oral surgeons serving Grapevine. Call 817-329-4979 to learn more about all that dental implants have to offer.
