Whether you just had a tooth removed or you lost teeth years ago, it is highly recommended you replace the gaps. In this two part blog series, you will discover the many different options for replacing your missing teeth.
“So what if I do not want to replace my missing teeth? They are in the back and do not show when I smile”. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to complications that could eventually make you lose even more teeth. The teeth opposite and surrounding the missing tooth over time will drift and tilt into the gap. This causes what is called super-eruption and tilting of teeth surrounding missing tooth. The result will be loss of function and possible further tooth loss.
Part 1: Fixed Prosthetics
As the name suggests, these prosthetics are “fixed” and cannot be taken in and out of the mouth. There are two options for replacing missing teeth with a fixed prosthetic. A fixed prosthetic is permanently cemented in your mouth and does not come out. The 2 kinds of fixed prosthetics are:
1. Dental Bridge
2. Dental Implants
Part 2: Removable Prosthetics
On the other hand, Removable prosthetics come in and out to be cleaned. The 2 different kinds of removable prosthetics available are dependent on how many teeth you are actually missing.
1. Removable Partial Denture – If you are missing few of your teeth
2. Complete Denture- If you are missing all of your upper/Lower teeth.
In the coming posts, we will learn more about each kind of tooth replacement options. Please ask your dentist about the best option available to you as they vary from one person to another.