Missing Teeth? Three Dental Options to Replace the Space
When you lose teeth in Rogers, AR, you will want to learn about options for replacing missing teeth quickly. Dr. Brett Cotham can examine your teeth and gums fully and offer a professional opinion on the best procedure for your oral health situation. He offers a variety of treatment options for replacing teeth, including dentures, dental implants, and bridges. Regardless of the cause of your missing teeth, if you’re looking to make adjustments to your smile, our team of professionals at All About Smiles can help!
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Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great option for those looking to replace one tooth or when you’re missing many teeth in different places in your mouth. A metal post is surgically placed into the jaw. After a healing period, generally about three months, the replacement tooth is mounted to the implant. This serves as a permanent base.
Some benefits of choosing dental implants are:
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They resemble a natural tooth
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Last for decades
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Rest of the teeth remain intact as nearby teeth aren’t involved (like a dental bridge)
In terms of disadvantages, Dr. Cotham must allow the jaw to heal for a period of time before it can be completed, so this isn’t an instantaneous procedure unlike other options. In terms of cost, dental implants tend to be more expensive than other options for replacing a missing tooth in Rogers, AR.
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Dental Bridges
For those missing teeth in the same area, a dental bridge may be the best choice. A fixed bridge bridges a gap caused by the missing tooth with an artificial tooth. This prosthetic is made up of two or more crowns and is subsequently attached to adjacent teeth, then bonded in place.
Some advantages in choosing a dental bridge include:
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Much like dental implants, they resemble natural teeth
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They’re less expensive than dental implants as they use adjacent teeth for support instead of a post in the jaw
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Quicker alternative to implants that require time for the jaw to heal before the implant can be placed
Bridges involve altering other existing teeth, which is a disadvantage for some patients. Also, it can be difficult to clean around the tooth beneath the bridge, which can lead to tooth decay or infection.
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Dentures
Dr. Cotham may suggest dentures if you need to replace all of your teeth. For those that need to replace only some of their teeth, a removable partial denture may be used. Your natural teeth will stabilize and hold the base in place.
Some advantages to choosing dentures include:
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Removable dentures oftentimes are covered by some insurance as they significantly improve a patient’s oral health.
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In terms of benefits, removable partial dentures look and feel natural.
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They also are less expensive than other options for replacing missing teeth in the mouth.
While they are effective, some patients in the Northwest Arkansas area find that they can be uncomfortable.
How missing teeth affects your oral health
Depending on the location of the missing tooth or teeth, you may not notice a gap in the mouth. However, missing teeth can cause the face shape to change. Your bite may also change to make up for lost teeth. The remaining teeth can even shift because of the room. This can cause problems with tooth grinding, tooth sensitivity, and even with chewing. Ultimately, no matter the cause of your missing teeth, there are options for replacing missing teeth that Dr. Cotham can use in order to remedy your oral health situation. The sooner you replace these missing teeth, the less likely you are to experience any side effects of tooth loss.
Learn more about options for replacing missing teeth in Rogers, AR today
If you’re having concerns with your smile and want to find viable restorative dentistry options to replace missing teeth in your mouth, Dr. Brett Cotham at All About Smiles can help. He has years of experience working with his patients in Rogers, AR to restore a smile. Whether with dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants, his patients have been pleased with their results. A smile makeover will deliver amazing results that restore the function of your teeth in an undetectable way. In order to schedule a consultation with our friendly staff to learn more about your options for replacing missing teeth, call our dental office today!