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Teeth replacement have come a long way since the last three decades. Extracted or missing teeth raises the concern of infections so, one should always consider replacing their missing teeth or visit the dentist as soon as possible.
If you are thinking this whole process to replace the tooth would be painful and are afraid to visit the dentist or dental treatments due that, then no need to worry.
As said earlier, teeth replacement has come a long way since the last 30 years and treatments have become painless due to the sedation process or EZ IO.
You may wonder what is EZ io needles? In some cases where intravenous access is not possible, Intraosseous Infusion (IO) is used to inject fluids and medications directly into bone marrow.
Now, before you decide to go for teeth replacement and visit the dentist, you need to consider the total number of treatments that are available for teeth replacements and which one you should opt.
Of course, your dentist can explain all of these to you when you go for the treatment, but it’s always good to know all the available options beforehand. That way you will have enough time to think of all the available options and make the final decision.
There is a total of 3 options to replace your missing tooth or teeth: Implants, Dentures, and Bridges. You need to consider the following three factors into account before you make your final choice.
- Know the advantages of & disadvantages of each technique
- Know which one is ideal for which case
- Cost of the treatment
Implants
Dental implants are posts made of metal or frames that are positioned into the jawbone under your gums surgically. Once they are placed, the dentist can easily mount the replacement tooth onto them.Dental implants get fused to your jawbones which further provides rigid support for the replacement or artificial teeth. Bridges or dentures mount over the implants won’t let them slip or move. It is an essential benefit while you are eating.
This well-fitted and secure implant help dentures or bridges, and other individual crowns mounted over it feel more natural than traditional bridges or dentures.
For some people, conventional bridges or dentures are not even an option as they feel uncomfortable due to gagging, sore spots, or poor ridges.
Plus, conventional bridges should be attached to the space left by missing tooth on either side of it.
Advantages of dental implants
- Most useful: Dental implants are considered to be the most helpful treatment as compared to other methods.
- Natural appearance: Dental implants doesn’t look like you are using an artificial tooth. It seems natural and feels like they are your own teeth. Plus, since they are fused to your bones, they become permanent.
- Improved speech with better comfort: As implants are permanent, you don’t have to worry about them slipping away like dentures which can cause you mumbling words.
- Quick process: Typically takes half a day to complete the whole treatment including surgery. On the other hand, traditional techniques involve numerous surgeries and may take up to a year.
Disadvantages of dental implants
- Not suitable for every patient: To receive implants, the patient must have an adequate bone strength and healthy gums to support the implant. Patient must also commit to keep them healthy and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Must maintain them carefully: As all teeth are connected to each other through a bridge to make them stronger. Breakage in one tooth will lead you to the removal of the whole bridge and need to be serviced.
Budget-friendly?
Dental implants are typically costly or most expensive treatment than the other methods, and most insurance carriers generally cover less than 10 % of the treatment fees.Bridges
A bridge is known as fixed, removable dentures that are made to replace one or more missing teeth.A traditional bridge is made by making a crown for the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth and placing artificial teeth between the crowns. Crowns are also called caps, and they can be supported by implants or natural teeth.
The artificial tooth or teeth are attached to the crowns which further fills the space created by missing teeth.
Traditional bridges are made of either ceramics or porcelain fused to metal (PFM). In some cases of conventional bridge technique, the root canal is needed for the patients with weak teeth.
If the patient undergoing this method has strong and healthy teeth, then there is no need for root canal therapy.
Now, there are other types of the bridge as well, and structure of the bridge depends upon the type of the bridge.
Advantages of Bridge
- Effective solution: Dental bridges are a more effective solution compared to dentures.
- Prevents from slipping: It doesn’t let the remaining teeth shift while chewing which can cause a problem in your bite.
- Permanent structure: Unlike dentures, you don’t have to worry about removing them now and then, as they are fixed permanently.
- Comfortable for chewing and speaking: It allows to chew food easily as there is no longer a gap in the jaw and it also helps in clearer speech without mumbling.
Disadvantages of Bridge
- Risk of decay: If crowns and bridge are not fitted correctly, there is a risk of decay. It then allows bacteria and plaque underneath them. It can also damage the structure of the teeth.
- Restoration can collapse: If the supporting teeth for the treatment are not strong enough to hold the structure, then it may collapse which originates other issues.
Budget-friendly?
Cost depends upon the type of the dental bridge selected. Dental bridges are generally less expensive than implants, and insurance carriers usually pay a small percentage of the fee.Dentures
Dentures are like temporary replacement teeth. You can take it out and again put them back in your mouth whenever you want.It takes some time to get used to dentures. Though it will never feel the same as your natural teeth. Today’s dentures are more natural looking and comfortable. There are two types of dentures: Full Dentures and Partial Dentures.
Now, your dentist will decide which dentures will be ideal for you depending upon a couple of factors. The dentist will check whether some or all teeth need to be replaced. Then, considering the associated cost, they will help you choose the right type.
Advantages of dentures
- No dietary restrictions: You can easily eat all your favorite solid foods as all of your teeth are present.
- Address your speaking problem: With all your teeth present, you no longer have to worry about speaking improperly.
- Long lasting: They can last up to 5-10 years depending upon how well you maintain them. Although, sometimes adjustments may be needed.
Disadvantages of dentures
- Moves a lot: As dentures are removable, they tend to move often while eating or talking. It can be inconvenient and may take some to get used to it.
- Difficult to maintain: Dentures requires very good care for extended durability. You must brush them regularly to remove any food deposits and plaque. Store them in a clean media bottle with water before you go to bed and don’t let them fall on hard surfaces.
Budget-friendly?
Dentures are the cheapest option of all the three as it doesn’t require any special treatments or implants.Now that you have considered all the types of dental replacement procedures and know the difference between all of them, you can easily pick up the ideal type for you after further discussion with your dentist.
