Our Dental Blog

4 Options to Replace Your Missing Teeth

November 6, 2020


When we lose a tooth, or several, this not only leads to issues with our appearance, but could in time cause problems for our oral health. Everything from trouble eating and speaking, to an aged appearance could be on the horizon. To prevent these complications and preserve your quality of life, yourKansas City, MO, dentistoffersfour dental prosthetic options.

Tooth Loss

Dental Bridge:

For those missing one tooth, or up to three in a row, the dental bridge is often the best choice to address the gap in your smile. The prosthetic contains one or more new teeth, known as pontics, and has crowns attached to each end. We place the crowns onto the abutment teeth, or the natural ones on each side of the gap in your smile. This secures the pontics, and the prosthetic itself can last between 10 and 15 years on average. We take steps to ensure they offer a lifelike appearance too!

Partial Denture:

If you too many missing teeth to obtain a bridge, or have gaps spread out across your smile, then you may need a partial denture. The partial contains an acrylic base that mics gum tissue, and metal clasps that attach to natural teeth. The new teeth will be made from materials like ceramic, which are designed to blend with the smile and look natural. They require replacement as the jaw ridge changes shape, and last about 5 to 10 years on average. They’re also removable for cleaning and soaking.

Complete Denture:

A full set of dentures replaces every toothon one or both arches. They contain a full row of lifelike teeth, and the base is designed to look like gum tissue. They will be held in place with suction or adhesive, and are removable. They require cleaning and soaking, and can last 5 to 10 years on average. For many, this is the best route to a full smile again.

Dental Implants:

We also have dental implants. These contain a biocompatible titanium post that is inserted surgically into the jawbone. The body accepts the post as a natural root. As it bonds with the jawbone, thedental implant stimulates the growth of jawbone tissue, preventing the changes to the jaw ridge that would require periodic prosthetic replacement. In addition to replacing individual missing teeth, we can use several to offer fixed bridges and dentures that don’t need to be removed for cleaning, and last for decades to come.

Do You Have Questions About Prosthetic Dentistry?

Don’t let tooth loss have a negative impact on your appearance and overall oral health. To learn more about our lifelike replacement options, thenschedule a consultationby calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.