Tools For Toothlessness

“Tools for toothlessness.” Just try saying that with missing teeth.

Toothlessness can cause a whole host of emotions, including shame and embarrassment. And due to these intense feelings, many of our patients are curious about what options are available to help rebuild their smile and their confidence.

It’s a sad irony when they’re too embarrassed to talk about it!

While the idea of dental implants is not new (in fact, they date back to 600 A.D.), innovation over the last several decades has brought this ancient idea into the future. Today, there are a whole host of options including dental implants, dental bridges and other tooth replacement solutions that can be discussed depending on the severity of your toothless. Each type of tooth replacement has its advantages and disadvantages. Below, we’ll break down each type of dental implant to help guide you!
Dental bridges
Dental bridges are aptly names since they literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. There are several types of bridges, but they all accomplish the same goal: restore your smile and restore your ability to eat and chew.

The bridge is anchored by the teeth on either side of the cap through the use of crowns. In the gap, a false tooth made from gold, alloy or porcelain is placed. Getting a bridge placed will take several visits. At the first visit impressions will be made and a temporary bridge will be placed. A second visit will allow the dentist to remove the temporary bridge and replace it with the permanent one.

Having a dental bridge requires strict adherence to a good oral health routing since tooth decay can occur underneath the crowns. If you have good oral habits a bridge can last up to 15 years; however, it is not uncommon that it may need to be replaced prior to that.

Dental implants

Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically implanted in the jaw (that a replacement tooth can be mounted on). Modern implants use titanium to form an artificial root of the tooth. Once surgically implanted into the jawbone, the titanium bonds with the jawbone and heals much quicker than previous iterations.

Dental implants work well for patients who are not candidates for dental bridges or dentures. To be eligible for this procedure, you must have healthy gums that can support the titanium implant.

And while this option is more permanent that others, it is also more expensive. If you are concerned about the cost, but think this would boost your quality of life, talk to our experts at Josey Lane who can discuss payment options.

Dentures 

For many people, dentures are necessary at a certain age even if you have taken excellent care of your teeth. If you start to have severe toothaches, gum inflammation or shifting of loose teeth, it might be time to have the conversation with your dentist about dentures.

While dentures will restore you smile and prevent your jaw and face from sagging, some patients complain that they never feel like their real teeth. But, depending on the severity of your tooth loss, dentures are available in either a full or partial set. And just like with dental bridges, dentures may need to be replaced since as you age your mouth naturally changes.

The importance of restoring your teeth

Restoring your smile after toothless is important for not only for your self-confidence, but for your overall health. Missing teeth can cause bone loss since the root of a tooth naturally stimulates the bone. When the tooth and root are missing, that stimulation ends and that leads to atrophy of the bone. And that will lead to the jaw bone shrinking away, which can eventually change the shape of your mouth.

Another complication is that missing teeth can lead to a degradation in diet. Crunchy fruits and vegetables become hard to eat and are replaced by softer foods that are carbohydrate heavy. A diet change like this can lead to additional tooth decay and weight gain due to increased sugars.

Rebuilding your mouth can help you improve your whole health and lead a healthier lifestyle as you age. If you are curious about what your options might be for restorative dentistry, then give our office a call today!