Tooth loss among adults is a very common occurrence across the world. It happens due to a variety of reasons including periodontal or gum disease, tooth decay, and trauma as a result of an injury. A healthy adult possesses 32 teeth that can be categorized into incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. It has been observed that by the age of 40-60, most adults lose at least one tooth. Regardless of where it is located in the mouth, each and every tooth has its own vital role.
Apart from using your teeth to chew, they also help us speak clearly and have a symmetrical facial structure. Therefore, leaving the gap of lost teeth unfilled has the possibility of leading to serious consequences. Following are a few dental replacement methods offered by your Red Deer dental clinic.
Dental Implants
This is a permanent and highly effective way of replacing your missing tooth. A small titanium post is used as a foundation for the tooth that is fixed into the jawbone. Eventually, the jawbone grows around this implant, further securing it in place. Once the bone securely accepts the implant, a crown will be fitted on top of it. Dental implants are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth in terms of the way they look, feel and work.
Dental Bridges
This is a very common dental restorative procedure that is ideal to fix the gaps of missing teeth when there are healthy teeth surrounding them. A metal bridge anchors the crowns which close the gap between the two adjacent teeth. Bridges are mostly a combination of metal and porcelain and mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. A bridge is a good option for teeth that are visible when smiling and helps maintain the shape of the face. Bridges prevent healthy teeth from drifting out of position and causing teeth misalignment. It usually takes two visits to your dentist in Red Deer in order to fully complete the procedure. Bridges cost less than dental implants, and they last up to 15 years with good maintenance and care.
Dentures
Dentures are one of the oldest types of dental restorative procedures out there. They are minimally invasive and help effectively fill the gaps of missing or lost teeth. It is important to note that dentures are only prosthetic devices that are made to look like real teeth for the sake of improving your appearance and self-confidence. Dentures do not feel or work like real teeth. It will take a period of time for the wearer to adapt to speaking and consuming food while wearing dentures.
There are two main types of dentures, these include:
Full dentures
Full dentures are for those who have lost all their teeth in either one or both arches. They are removable and are held in place on the bone ridge through a suctioning effect. They are custom-made for each wearer to achieve a close fit against the alveolar ridges to secure them in place.
Partial dentures
Partial dentures are for those who have only one or a few missing teeth. Dental bridges and crowns are also considered to be a type of fixed partial denture. Removable partial dentures have replacement teeth that are customized for the wearer and attached to a pink-colored plastic base.
All these treatments are cosmetic procedures that should be done under the supervision of a qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist at a Red Deer dental clinic.