Non Implant Missing Tooth Replacement

The incidents of dental implants are increasing every year. This last year over five million were placed by dentists in the United States. There are alternatives to replacing a tooth or more than one teeth without an implant based on a number of factors.

Several Reasons for not getting a Dental Implant

The very first reason is you simply may not be a candidate for an implant for a tooth replacement. If you are over the age of 60 your chances will decline based on the density and health of your jawbone. So low bone density is a big factor even if you are younger. If you have had chemotherapy or radiation for cancer you are not a candidate. Some medications have and can interfere with bone growth. You need this bone growth to accept and grow around the titanium post for the implant. You can’t pursue an implant for your tooth replacement if you have gum disease of if you smoke or drink alcohol in excess. Finally, if you do not have control over your diabetes you need to look at other options. Those are all health related factors. Another big factor that affects all ages is that of cost. Dental implants are the most expensive option for tooth replacement. Let’s now look at some options.

Tooth Replacement without an Implant

The number one option is a dental bridge cleveland tx. Even with this solution there are different types of dental bridges with different trade-offs between cost and life expectancy. The most popular is the Traditional Bridge. This is when there is one tooth missing and the two adjoining teeth, called the abutment teeth, both receive crowns to support the artificial tooth that will close that gap and act as the new tooth replacement. A Maryland Bridge is the same concept where instead of losing some enamel on those abutment teeth to accept the crowns a wire framework supports the artificial tooth, called the pontic, and the wire framework hooks around the backside of the two anchor teeth. This solution, by not removing enamel from healthy teeth, is considered a more conservative approach. The Traditional Bridge is more expensive due to the fabrication of the crowns but is stronger than the Maryland option. Again, if it is only about a gap created by one or a few teeth you can consider a removable partial denture as a viable tooth replacement. The issue with this solution is the lack of stability and comfort that you can get with a dental bridge. This most likely is the most economical approach but you will also take a step back in functionality and the lack of natural appearance.

Proper Care

Any and all of these options really depend on you exercising good oral hygiene. This simply means brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and flossing well at least once a day. By having a tooth replacement of some sort in your mouth you need to be cognizant of the replacement and treat it as a natural tooth. After all, it contributes to your smile.

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