If you have missing teeth, this can cause problems with your other teeth if you do not get the teeth replaced. For example, the gum will be exposed, which can get infected. The teeth adjacent to the missing teeth will shift and take over the empty spaces. Fortunately, your dentist can replace the missing teeth. Below are two options your dentist will offer you, so you can decide what you would like.
1. Dental Implants
Dental implants, which are made of titanium, are the best option you have as you will likely never have to have them replaced. Dental implants also look like your traditional teeth. When the procedure is done, the implants cannot be removed, and you brush and floss them like you do your other teeth.
The main downfall is that dental implants are expensive in that they cost approximately $2,4000 to $3,000 per tooth. You should also check with your insurance as some insurance companies will not cover dental implants because they look at this as a cosmetic procedure.
When your dentist places each implant they first place the implant into the root and then the implant is fused into your jaw bone. The dentist has to make a small incision to gain access to the bone. When the dentist is finished with the dental implants, they will sew up the incisions they had to make. It will take you a few months to completely heal from this process.
2. Bridges
Another option you have are bridges. The downfall to this is they do not last forever. How long they last may be a few years or over 10 years. It depends on the person and how their teeth handle the bridges.
During the procedure, the teeth on each side of the missing tooth will be prepared. This involves sanding down the teeth so there will be enough room to place a crown over each tooth. The dentist will then make impressions for which the lab will use to make the bridges. Until then, you will wear temporary crowns to protect your exposed gums and teeth.
When the bridges are ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crowns and then place the new bridges in its place. The dentist will have you close your mouth to see how the bridges feel. Your teeth should meet as they did before the bridges. If they do not, the dentist can shave off the bridges until they fit properly.
Once everything is correct, the dentist will use cement to affix the bridges.
Dental bridges are less expensive when compared to implants, so this is something you should consider. Look at the cost also of having to have this procedure done again in the future.
Talk to your dentist about this information, and they can give you many more details on dental implant services.
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