If you damaged a tooth beyond simple repair, replacing the whole tooth may be your only viable option. The process of replacing a missing tooth requires you to choose what kind of replacement should be used. In general, there are 3 options:
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Dental Bridges
1. Dental Implants
The most natural and permanent option to replace any missing teeth is a dental implant. With dental implants, your dentist will surgically insert a metal, screw-like post into your jaw bones and attach a custom tooth replacement (abutment) onto that metal (the implant). Since your bones need time to heal before it is properly integrated (or bonded) with the metal, the dental implant procedure can be quite lengthy.
Pros:
- The best for both oral and overall health
- The most natural and permanent option
- Does not require any damage to the jawbone or other healthy teeth
- High initial investment is usually worthwhile since implants are less expensive to maintain in the long run
- Requires no excess dental attention than natural teeth after the procedure
- Implant surgery has a success rate of more than 90 percent, and implants can significantly improve quality of life.
Cons:
- The procedure is expensive as insurance does not cover implants typically. Expect to pay several thousand dollars for a single implant to tens of thousands for multiple teeth
- Process can be quite lengthy (generally takes 6-8 months to complete)
- The gum around the implant can be infected by bacteria, triggering periimplantitis, a periodontal disease that can result in bone loss
2. Dentures
Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out of your mouth for cleaning or before sleep. There are 2 main types of dentures: full and partial dentures. While dentures take some time getting used to, today’s dentures are natural looking and quite comfortable. Dentures are by far the most affordable option that patients have. Not only that, but dentures can also be easily removed for optimal cleaning.
Pros:
- Less time involved in the procedure (A complete set of dentures can be completed in approximately 2 to 6 weeks)
- Dentures look and feel completely natural
- Provides additional support to your jaw as you age, giving your mouth, jaw, and cheekbones a very natural appearance
- Does not require surgical – great alternative for those who cannot undergo surgery for medical reasons
- Overall the cheapest tooth replacement option
Cons:
- An adjustment period is involved with new dentures (getting used to how they feel, how to speak properly, and also eating properly while wearing them)
- Replacement dentures are required as your facial structure changes with age (this is time consuming and costly as dentists recommend replacements every 5 to 8 years)
- They do not help retain the natural shape of your face over a long period of time
- If not cleaned properly on a daily basis, they can promote gum disease or other types of infection
- For many patients, dentures often lead to halitosis (bad breath) because the plastic material absorbs odors that are introduced to the denture (such as food and drinks). The only way around this is to clean thoroughly after every meal
3. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge attaches to the remaining healthy teeth surrounding a gap to create a bridge across the area between a patient’s teeth. This is the simplest form of dental bridges (known as tooth-supported fixed bridges). It consists of two crowns and the replacement tooth. The crowns act as the anchors for the replacement tooth, which sits on top of the clean gum.
Patients can also choose an implant-supported fixed bridge to treat missing teeth. With this solution, multiple missing teeth can be treated as a group instead of individually, and the bridge can be flossed around and brushed like natural teeth. This is an optimal treatment for patients with missing teeth that are right alongside each other, as the bridge covers gaps of two or more teeth.
Pros:
- A relatively quick process for replacing missing teeth (usually 2-3 visits, so about 1-2 weeks in duration)
- Does not require bone grafting even if bone loss is present
- Considered the most cost-effective method for replacing missing teeth
- Improves the shape and color of the surrounding teeth that are crowned
- Dental bridges are durable and last a considerable length of time
- Does not require surgical – great alternative for those who cannot undergo surgery for medical reasons
Cons:
- Places strain on surrounding teeth, especially the two teeth which are directly attached to the bridge
- Risk of decay if the bridge and crowns are not well-fitted, allowing plaque and bacteria to enter underneath them
- Extra care is required to keep the underside of the bridge clean, since it is prone to collecting plaque.
- For these reasons, bridges are rarely expected to last a lifetime. Furthermore, as surrounding teeth are removed due to aging or strain placed by the bridge, unwanted gaps are created, causing many patients to opt for implants in the end
Dental Implants in Vancouver
Schedule your first consultation for dental implants in Vancouver with the experienced Dr. Shin, and get your natural smile back.