With all the tooth replacement options out there, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. Our practice specializes in dental implant-based tooth replacement solutions. Dental implants are one of the best and healthiest options for tooth replacement. Before selecting your restoration method, it is important to consider all of your options to make an informed decision. Our staff wants to help you find a solution for your missing or failing teeth, which is why we’ve provided some information about the most popular tooth restoration options available.
Dental Implants
Features:
- Permanent tooth replacement (can last a lifetime)
- Improve appearance of smile
- Improve eating function
- Can replace one or more teeth
- Prevent dental shifting
- Prevent bone loss
- No removable parts
Dental implants are designed to resemble natural teeth as closely as possible. Most implants consist of a titanium post to replace your tooth’s root, an abutment piece to attach your new crown, and a tooth-shaped crown or multi-tooth bridge to replace the visible portion of your teeth. Once the surgical sites have fully healed, the dental implants are extremely secure, allowing patients to eat the foods they enjoy. The dental implants look just like natural teeth, and most patients are completely satisfied with their results. While most dental professionals recommend dental implants as your best option for tooth replacement, not everyone can receive them. Patients must be able to undergo minor dental surgery and a healing period involving a soft foods diet to receive dental implants.
Fixed Bridges
Features:
- Semi-permanent tooth replacement (may require replacement after several years)
- Can replace one or more teeth in a row
- Improve eating function and appearance
- Fixed/No removable parts
- Prevent dental shifting
Your general dentist typically places a fixed bridge. A tooth-shaped bridge consists of a prosthetic tooth attachment with two crowns surrounding it. The crowns will be fixed to your existing teeth, allowing the prosthetic tooth to bridge the gap between the teeth. Having something filling the space left by your missing tooth prevents dental shifting, but bridges do not protect against jaw bone loss occurring beneath the gums. Your adjacent teeth will likely have to be ground down to support the bridge, but once the bridge is in place, it can last for several years. Bridges may be a good option for someone who cannot undergo dental surgeries.
Full-Arch Restoration (Bar Attachment Denture)
Features:
- Can replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth
- Improves appearance of smile and ability to eat most foods
- Prevents dental shifting
- Prevents bone loss
- No removable parts/A secure alternative to removable dentures
Full-arch restoration is an excellent alternative to dentures for patients who want a permanent, non-removable set of teeth. The procedure is very efficient because it uses just a few dental implants to replace an entire arch of teeth. The dental implants that support your full-arch prosthesis will keep your teeth securely in place while also preventing bone loss from occurring.
Traditional Dentures (Full or Partial)
Features:
- Semi-permanent option (require replacement or adjustment after several years of use)
- Come in partial and full-arch options to replace one or more teeth
- Improve appearance of smile
- Improve eating function to some extent
- Removable tooth replacement option
- Prevent dental shifting
Dentures have been used to replace missing teeth for hundreds of years. Your general dentist or prosthodontist can form your dentures to fit your mouth, but an oral surgeon may perform a pre-prosthetic procedure to prepare your mouth for dentures. Dentures can allow patients to smile confidently and eat many foods, although sometimes denture slipping and discomfort can occur. If you are unable to undergo dental surgeries, or if you prefer having a removable option, dentures may be right for you.
Tooth Replacement Options at Henderson Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center in Henderson, NV
Our practice in Henderson, NV, offers a variety of dental implant-supported tooth restorations to patients in the Las Vegas, NV, region. Even if you have experienced bone loss because of your missing teeth, you may be able to undergo bone grafting or other procedures to prepare your mouth for permanent, healthy tooth replacements. Contact our office to learn more about the tooth replacement options we offer.
