Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Most often than not, it's a good idea to replace teeth that you have lost as soon as possible in order to help keep your mouth healthy and prevent the loss of jaw structure. Here, our Slave Lake dentists provide you with a number of options for replacing missing teeth.

Do I really need to replace my missing teeth?

When you lose a tooth, there may be a number of different oral health issues if you can't get promptly treated. Since the remaining teeth can shift out of their usual placed, they may cause difficult chewing, speaking and may cause extra wear and tear on your remaining teeth. 

A condition known as facial collapse occurs when the jaw bone in the area where the teeth are missing begins to deteriorate, eventually leading to the loss of facial function.

Replacement Options for Missing Teeth

When you come into our Slave Lake dental office, your dentist will go over the following tooth replacement options with you and assist you in selecting the one that best meets your needs and fits within your financial budget.

Dentures

Dentures are tooth replacements that are fully removable. This procedure can take some getting used to and the results won't look exactly the same as natural teeth. However, modern dentures are remarkably natural-looking, comfortable and functional. They are also the least expensive treatment option for missing teeth in most cases.

Depending on your requirements, you can choose between two different types of dentures. Full dentures are designed to replace all of the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures can be used to replace a single missing tooth or a group of teeth in a row. Based on the impressions taken of your mouth, your dentures will be made specifically for you.

Dental Bridges

Denta bridges are fixed tooth replacements that attach to teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap left by your missing tooth (or teeth). Bridges aren't removable, resulting in very secure and comfortable fits for patients. After the installation of a dnetal bridge, this restoration should last for many years with proper care before needing replacement. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots and are surgically implanted into the jawbone to restore tooth function. A dental crown is placed on top of the tooth to complete the restoration.

Dental implant and crown combinations have the feel, look and function of a natural tooth in almost every way. Whiel implants can often be more expensive than other tooth replacements, many report liking the natural look an feel that dental implants provide, feeling they are worth the investment.

If you have any questions about replacing your missing teeth, please do not hesitate to contact our Slave Lake dentists to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.