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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 think this whole process of replacing the tooth will be painful and are afraid to visit the dentist or undergo dental treatments because of this, then there is no need to worry.
As said earlier, teeth replacement has come a long way in 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, intravenous infusion (IO) is used to inject fluids and medications directly into bone marrow.
Now, before you decide to have teeth replaced and visit the dentist, you need to consider the total number of treatments available and which one you should choose.
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 decide.
There are three options for replacing your missing tooth or teeth: Implants, Dentures, and Bridges. You need to consider the following three factors 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 fuse to your jawbones, providing rigid support for replacement or artificial teeth. Bridges or dentures mounted over the implants won’t let them slip or move, which is an essential benefit while eating.
This well-fitted and secure implant helps dentures, 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 teeth on either side.
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 adequate bone strength and healthy gums to support the implant. The patient must also commit to keeping their gums healthy and maintaining 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 to the removal of the whole bridge, and it needs to be serviced.
Budget-friendly?
Dental implants are typically costly or more 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 a fixed, removable denture that is 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, also called caps, can be supported by implants or natural teeth.
The artificial tooth or teeth are attached to the crowns, filling the space created by missing teeth.
Traditional bridges are made of either ceramics or porcelain fused to metal (PFM). In some cases, the conventional bridge technique requires a root canal for patients with weak teeth.
If the patient undergoing this method has strong and healthy teeth, then root canal therapy is not needed.
There are other types of bridges as well, and the structure of the bridge depends upon the type of bridge.
Advantages of Bridge
- Effective solution: Dental bridges are a more effective solution than 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 bridges are not fitted correctly, there is a risk of decay. Bacteria and plaque can then grow underneath them, damaging the structure of the teeth.
- Restoration can collapse: If the supporting teeth for the treatment are not strong enough to hold the structure, it may collapse, which can cause other issues.
Budget-friendly?
The cost depends upon the type of 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 put them back in your mouth whenever you want.It takes some time to get used to dentures, though they will always feel different from 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 are ideal for you based on several 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 they don’t require any special treatments or implants.Now that you have considered all the types of dental replacement procedures and know the difference between them, you can easily choose the ideal type for you after further discussion with your dentist.
