Missing tooth is a problem that affects many people. The condition can be caused by an accident, disease, or just the natural aging process. Fortunately, there are many solutions for missing teeth in 2022 – including dental implants and dentures. In the United States, there is an average of nine missing teeth per person as of 2017. This number can rise to 12 per person in 2022 if proper dental care isn’t taken. The best way to prevent this from happening is by getting regular teeth cleanings and making sure you brush your teeth twice each day. If you already have missing or damaged teeth, make sure that you see your dentist regularly for wisdom tooth extractions, and other dental treatments that may be needed—discussed below is what to do with a missing tooth.
Options for Missing Teeth
There are many options for missing teeth, including:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are among the great options for missing teeth as they provide a permanent, long-lasting solution. Your dentist will insert an implant post into the jawbone during the procedure where the tooth would normally sit. The root of this implant is shaped like a real tooth and can be used to hold an artificial crown in place. Dental implants are made using titanium, a metal compatible with the human body and fusing your bone tissue over time. Implants look and feel like real teeth as they help you chew and speak comfortably.
Dental implants can be used for:
- Replacing a single tooth
- Re-establishing a full arch
- Restoring an implant bridge
While the cost of dental implants in Los Angeles can vary depending on your specific needs, it is a great option for restoring your smile and normal oral function. As with most dental treatments, there are some precautions you should consider before getting this procedure done – such as potential side effects or certain allergies. Before getting dental implants, make sure to discuss all of your options with a dentist or specialist that knows your medical history.
Advantage of Dental Implants
The benefits of dental implants include:
- They are permanent. The dental implant post will fuse with your jawbone over time, providing sturdy support that will last for many years to come.
- Dental implants are easy to clean. Since the titanium root becomes one with your bone tissue, it won’t trap plaque or bacteria in the same way that regular teeth do.
- Full arch dental implants provide a natural look and feel. With tooth-colored crowns that are made precisely to mimic your real teeth, dental implants will give you a smile you’ve always wanted.
Disadvantages of Dental Implants
The disadvantages of dental implants include:
- The cost. Dental implants require a rather expensive procedure and aren’t covered by insurance in most cases. However, the benefits of dental implants make it worth it for many people as they can last for several years to come with proper care. If you want to have full arch dental implants, the cost will be high.
- The recovery time is longer than other options. You cannot eat or drink anything other than water for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
- There are some risks involved. As with most procedures, there is always a risk that something goes wrong during implantation. However, if you choose to get dental implants in 2022, the professionals at your dentist’s office will help mitigate any risks that may come along with the procedure. If you have a missing molar tooth, they will advise you on the best missing back teeth solutions.
Are Dental Implants Painful?
One of the questions we get from most patients is, are dental implants painful? The answer is no. The process of getting implants is painless because the dentist will use a local numbing agent to make your gums feel numb. Once this happens, you should rest without feeling any discomfort or pain in your mouth. However, if you have a low threshold for pain, we advise that you take some ibuprofen an hour before the procedure begins. The general rule is that if you can handle a trip to the dentist, then carefully placed dental implants won’t be painful for you. However, if dental visits make you nervous or uncomfortable, we recommend that you take all necessary precautions before getting dental implants.
Types of Dental Implants
There are many dental implants to restore your natural smile and function. Some include:
Single Dental Implants
A single dental implant is one of the most basic dental implants that you can get, for example, 399 dental implants. It is typically used to cover a gap in your smile caused by one tooth and restore the function of chewing comfortably. This form of treatment takes around four months before it can provide you with strength, stability, and attractive smile restoration.
Multiple Dental Implants
Multiple dental implants are recommended for patients with more complex needs, such as replacing an entire arch of teeth. Rather than getting one implant post inserted into your jawbone, multiple implants can be used to support a bridge or denture in place. This treatment is designed to promote strength and stability while also providing you with optimal function.
Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants are used for more extensive treatment. These implants can be an effective solution for restoring your smile if you have lost most of your teeth due to an accident or disease. While this is one of the most expensive options, it does provide you with exceptional strength and function that will last for several years to come.
Immediate Dental Implants
With immediate dental implants, you won’t have to go through a phase where you have to wear a temporary prosthetic. The dentist will examine your jawbone and place the titanium posts directly into the bone tissue during a single visit. Once implanted, your body will begin to fuse the titanium post with your jawbone over time, restoring your smile right away.
Dentures
Another way to restore your smile is through dentures. Dentures are removable devices that act as an artificial replacement for one or more teeth. Although they cannot permanently fix them like dental implants, you can still enjoy the same benefits of restored function and aesthetics with this treatment method.
See also: dentures vs. implants
How Dentures Work
Dentures are among the missing back teeth solutions that improve your mouth’s look, feel, and function. There are two main types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures cover the entire arch of your mouth, while partial dentures only cover some of your smiles. During a dental visit at your dentist’s office, your dentist will take an impression of your gums and jaw to create an accurate restoration that you can use on top of your existing teeth or implants.
Advantages of Dentures
There are many benefits associated with using dentures for restoring your smile. Some include:
- A low-cost option for restoring function. As it takes multiple appointments to get your dentures implanted, this treatment option tends to be cheaper than dental implants.
- A great temporary option for missing teeth. If you’ve recently lost one or more teeth due to an accident or disease, there is no need to worry. Dentures can provide you with a beautiful and functional smile right away.
- A way to restore your smile without damaging your other teeth. Since dental implants can damage and weaken surrounding healthy teeth, dentures tend to be an easier and safer option for replacing a tooth or multiple teeth.
Disadvantages
Although there are many benefits associated with using dentures, you should also be aware of their negative aspects. Some include:
- The need for ongoing maintenance and replacements. Like dental implants, it is essential to keep your dentures clean and hygienic to preserve the overall health of your smile. Unlike dental implants, dentures do not fuse to your jawbone, meaning they can shift over time and lead to discomfort in the mouth.
- A loss of natural teeth. Whether you choose dental implants or use dentures, there is no avoiding the fact that you will be losing one or more of your original teeth when restoring function in your smile.
- A speech impediment. If you’ve been without a tooth for some time, the replacement will most likely have an impact on your speaking and chewing abilities initially. However, this should fade away with time as the process of getting used to your new dentures begins.
Dentures vs Dental Implants
Can you have your teeth replaced using dentures or dental implants? When comparing dentures with dental implants, you’ll find that both treatment options work very differently. Dentures are designed to sit on top of your teeth and restore function to give you a beautiful smile right away. At the same time, dental implants fuse directly into the jawbone itself over time to provide permanent restoration for your mouth. This is why it can be helpful to consult a qualified dentist for any further information about the benefits of each treatment option, including 399 dental implants.
3. Fixed Dental Bridges
If you are wondering what to do with a missing tooth, fixed dental bridges are another treatment option that you can use to restore your smile and fix any gaps between your teeth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges span the gap caused by one or more missing teeth, restoring function and providing a beautiful aesthetic for your teeth. During this process, a dental technician will take an impression of your mouth to create a custom tooth that fits into the gap caused by one or more damaged teeth. This replacement tooth is then attached to dental crowns (caps) crafted for each tooth, which act as anchors to hold the new restoration in place.
Advantages
There are many benefits associated with using fixed dental bridges for restoring your smile. Some include:
- A permanent solution for a missing front tooth. You can consider dental implants and dentures as temporary solutions until you decide to restore function in your smile with a fixed dental bridge.
- Front tooth replacement. Whether it is one tooth or a few gaps, the amazing staff at Southland Dental Care can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create custom dental bridges to restore function in your smile.
- A way to preserve healthy teeth and gums. Unlike implant procedures, fixed dental bridges do not cause any damage to surrounding teeth or the jawbone.
Disadvantages
Although there are many benefits associated with fixed dental bridges, it is equally important to be aware of their negative aspects. Some include:
- Difficulty speaking properly for a short period while the process of restoring your smile with a custom bridge begins.
- The need for ongoing maintenance and replacements. Like dental implants, it is essential to keep your bridge clean and hygienic to preserve the overall health of your smile. Unlike permanent restorations like dental implants, bridges can be lost or broken over time, causing you to require replacements or further repairs.
- Quite expensive.
4. Removable Partial Dentures
Can you have your teeth replaced using removable partial dentures? Yes, removable partial dentures are another treatment option that you can use to restore your smile, fix any gaps between your teeth, and replace one or more missing teeth.
What is a Partial Denture?
Partial dentures span the gap caused by a missing front tooth or a missing molar tooth. During this process, a dental technician will take an impression of your mouth to create a custom partial that fits into the gap caused by damaged teeth. This replacement tooth is then attached to dental crowns (caps) crafted for each tooth, which act as anchors to hold the new restoration in place.
Advantages
Many benefits are associated with using removable partial dentures for front tooth replacement and restoring your smile. Some include:
- A solution for missing teeth is much more affordable than fixed dental bridges or dental implants.
- Restoring one or more gaps caused by a missing front tooth. Our staff at Southland Dental Care will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and create custom dental partial dentures to restore function in your smile.
- A way to preserve healthy teeth and gums. Unlike implant procedures, removable partial dentures do not cause any damage to surrounding teeth or the jawbone.
- A choice for patients who are not candidates for implants or fixed dental bridges because of advanced age, health conditions, etc.
Disadvantages
Although there are many benefits associated with removable partial dentures, it is equally important to be aware of their negative aspects. Some include:
- Difficulty speaking properly for a short period while the process of restoring your smile with custom partial dentures begins.
- The need for ongoing maintenance and replacements like fixed dental bridges, but more often than not, you will need to make fewer appointments than with permanent restorations like dental implants.
Why You Should Treat Missing Teeth
The benefits of restoring your smile with products like dental implants, dental bridges, or removable partial dentures are nearly endless. Here are some of the reasons you should treat missing teeth.
Your Smile Will Look Amazing
Saving a few extra bucks upfront by not treating missing teeth can end up costing you in other ways because making your appearance even slightly worse can have negative consequences. For those self-conscious about their missing teeth, a dental restoration is essential to restore your smile and help you feel more confident in social situations. It’s often one of the first things people notice about you – a brilliant smile can give confidence a huge boost.
Your Oral Health Will Improve
Although it may not seem like a big deal to those who don’t wear dentures, losing your teeth can put you at risk of periodontal (gum) disease and other oral health conditions such as tooth decay and cavities. Fortunately, restoring your smile with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can help to protect surrounding teeth from decay and other oral health problems. After all, it is much easier to prevent oral diseases than treating them once they have set in. When you consider that one missing tooth can put you at risk of a wide range of dental issues, it makes a lot of sense to restore your smile with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.
Eating and Speaking Will Become Easier
Another major reason to treat missing teeth is the improved function in your bite and jaw after restoring them with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures. When you take care of your missing teeth, you’re protecting your overall oral health and making life easier for yourself in the process.
A partial or full denture can restore your ability to eat, as well as your confidence in speaking with others. Whether you’re a professional speaker or an avid foodie, there’s no doubt that dealing with missing teeth isn’t fun. Fortunately, replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures will ultimately help restore function in your smile.
Missing Tooth Replacement Cost
The cost to fix a missing tooth varies depending on your needs, the types of restorations you want to achieve, and the materials you will use. The good news is that most dental insurance plans at least partially cover costs for some forms of treatment, including implants, bridges, and even removable partial dentures.
Dental Implants
The cost of dental implants can vary greatly depending on your location and the type of implant you choose. Dental implants in Los Angeles with a single tooth run around $4,000 or more in most cases, with certain locations charging as much as $8,000 for a single implant. If you have more than one tooth to replace, the costs are lower per tooth but can still be quite high for full mouth dental implants because they tend to be quite an investment. Another reason this procedure might be more costly is due to a bone graft for dental implant. A bone graft for dental implant occurs if you are experiencing bone loss.
Fixed Bridges
An average fixed bridge that will span two or three teeth can cost around $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. If you need a bridge to span more than one or two teeth, the costs can be even lower because multiple teeth can share a single bridge as needed.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures that replace an entire arch of missing teeth typically cost $3,000 and $5,000 each. If you need several partial dentures, the costs will depend on your location but are typically around $6,000 to $10,000 for a full set of removable dentures.
Why Go to Southland Dental Care?
If you’re looking for an affordable solution for replacing your missing or damaged teeth, look no further than Southland Dental Care. Our team comprises experienced professionals who can help you get the results you need while staying within your budget. We also offer free consultation and free CT-Scan for TMJ diagnosis, so you can receive an accurate diagnosis before deciding on your treatment. If you are in Los Angeles, search for dental implants near me, and you will find us. Call us today to schedule a consultation with our specialists at Southland Dental Care for more information.