Tooth loss can greatly impact your quality of life. If you have several missing teeth, you might notice a decline in your oral function as well as the appearance of your smile. There are several treatments that can replace these teeth and enhance your smile once again.
Trying to replace more than one missing tooth may seem complicated. But when you schedule a consultation with your dentist, you can find the perfect restorative dental strategy to reconstruct your smile. Read on to learn about three tooth replacement solutions that will restore your smile if you lost more than one tooth.
Types of Dental Prosthetics
Traditional Dental Bridges
If you have lost several teeth in a row, you might benefit from a dental bridge. This appliance consists of three or more prosthetic teeth attached to one base. The way this device attaches to the mouth depends on the kind of bridge you would like.
A removable dental bridge is a partial denture that can be removed from the mouth when not needed. It features a metal framework that draws support from surrounding teeth to stay in place.
Patients may prefer a fixed dental bridge instead for more security and less maintenance. This bridge uses two adjacent natural teeth as abutments. The dentist will secure the two ends of the prosthetic teeth over these teeth like dental crowns. This seals the bridge into place, ensuring long-lasting restorative benefits.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Though a fixed dental bridge can stay in place, patients may receive the maximum restorative benefits by replacing their missing teeth with dental implants. They can choose an implant-supported dental bridge, a single dental implant, or an All-on-Four device, depending on their unique needs.
This treatment uses titanium post anchors that a dentist surgically places into the jaw. They fuse with the bone there for maximum support for the prosthetic. The dentist attaches the bridge or denture appliance to these anchors after they heal.
They can remain in place for twenty or more years with proper care. The implants also replace the absent tooth root, unlike removable tooth replacement options, preserving the jawbone and facial structure.
Multiple Dental Implants
Tooth loss does not always have an even distribution. One dental implant may not treat all of the missing teeth in your mouth. Fortunately, you can work with your dentist to see if you are eligible to receive more than one dental implant to fully restore your smile.
If you need more than one implant to replace your missing teeth, you will not need additional procedures to complete your treatment. Your dentist can give you all of the anchors you need within one oral surgery.
Your dentist can give you a single implant and an implant-supported bridge at the same time if needed, for instance. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if your jaw is strong enough to support a dental implant. The dentist can use x-ray imaging to evaluate your jawbone health.