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Replacing Teeth Best Options

Tooth replacement options banner from dentist in Lincoln, NE

Replacing Teeth

Best Options

Our first molars are our main chewing teeth. We get them at 6 years of age and over the course of our lifetime, we will at some point have dental work. Furthermore, those molars are not able to be restored and patients may lose them. So, it is important to replace them?

Eighty percent, yes, 80% of pressure from chewing happens on those teeth, our first molars. As a result, when we do not have them, all of that pressure is then applied to other teeth that are not meant to handle that much force/pressure.  In fact, other teeth may have cracks from excessive pressure. Similarly, another reason for replacing missing teeth is to prevent super-eruption or shifting teeth. On the whole, teeth like to touch each other and when a molar tooth is missing, teeth try to fill in that empty space, ultimately creating an imbalanced bite.

One tooth partial for replacing teeth in Lincoln, NE

So, what are the best options for replacing teeth? In general, replacement teeth should last for years, so it is important to discuss all of your options with your Lincoln, NE dentist. There are several options for replacing teeth, your dentist may suggest:
  •       Implants
  •       Fixed Bridges
  •       Removable Partial Dentures

Check out the “Can you get a partial denture for one tooth?” video

Best Tooth Replacement Options for a Single Tooth

Certainly, missing one or more teeth affects your overall health and appearance. When you have missing teeth, it is hard to chew, speak, and smile. Moreover, a missing back tooth may cause your mouth to shift and your face to look older. When you have one or more missing teeth your confidence as well as your oral health can be affected. Thus, patients with missing teeth are less likely to smile or speak confidently. Also, teeth like to touch, so when a tooth is missing the surrounding adjacent teeth, as well as teeth above or below the space will begin to shift in an attempt to fill the space. Finally, this misalignment can cause concerns with your bite and certainly, it can cause pain when chewing. 

Wondering why you should consider replacing teeth? Replacing teeth best options from your Lincoln, NE dentists…Here are some things to consider:


You may be self-conscious of how the gap looks when you smile.

Your speech may be affected by missing teeth

A missing molar can make it harder to chew.


Remaining teeth can shift if a lost tooth is not replaced.

Remaining teeth can loosen over time due to bone loss around the missing tooth.

Loss of teeth and bone can make your face sag, possibly making you look older.

Replacement teeth should last for years, so it is important to discuss all of your options with your Lincoln, NE dentist. Your dentist may suggest:

image of implants showing that replacing teeth with implants is a tooth/teeth replacement option in Lincoln, NE

Implants

image of a fixed bridge showing it as an option for replacing teeth in Lincoln, NE

Fixed Bridges

image of removable partial dentures in Lincoln, NE is also an option for replacing missing teeth

Removable Partial Dentures

image of an implant in Lincoln, NE, which is an option for replacing teeth

Teeth Replacement Best Options: Dental Implants Implants are used for replacing teeth. For this reason, they can be used to replace a single tooth, several teeth, or to support a full set of dentures. Implants are posts made of titanium (a strong, lightweight metal) that are surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw. In addition, they function as a sturdy anchor for the replacement teeth. Getting a new tooth or new teeth can be an investment and a great one at that. So, if  “replacing teeth best options” by Lincoln, NE dentists is something weighing heavy on your mind, don’t hesitate to visit with your Lincoln, NE dentist. After all, we’ve already covered a lot in this article and actually knowing what is best, may be better decided upon in person with your dentist.

How do you know if dental implants are right for you?

Do you hide your smile because of missing teeth?

Do you wear dentures that are uncomfortable?

Are you dissatisfied with your removable partial dentures?

So, if you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may find that an implant or implants are a great option for replacing teeth. However, there are so many great choices, that the task of deciding can be overwhelming. Consequently, replacing teeth best options by Lincoln, NE dentists is a common question asked by many, so don’t hesitate to ask for guidance.

patient interested in Tooth Replacement Options in Lincoln, NE

Because a tooth implant is a surgical procedure, it is not an option that will suit everyone.  Ultimately, people with a chronic illness may not be good candidates due to the fact that it can take them longer to heal after surgery.  Further, tobacco use and electronic cigarettes can also slow the healing process.

You are a good candidate for replacing teeth with an implant if:

You are in overall good health.

You have adequate bone to support the implant, or can undergo surgery to build up the area needing the implant.

You are ready to commit to a good daily oral health care routine and regular dental visits.

Check out the “What is the difference between metal and resin partials?” video

What is all involved with Dental Implants?

There are three general phases of implant treatment:

  1. Placement of the Implant:
    First, the oral surgeon will surgically place the implant into the jaw bone. After surgery, you may experience some swelling and/or tenderness. Pain medication is sometimes prescribed to ease the discomfort. Your dentist may recommend a soft food diet while you heal.
  2. The Healing Process:
    Second, the healing process takes time. The bone in your jaw actually grows around the implant to hold it in place. Some patients may need to wait several months until the implant is completely healed and the replacement teeth can be attached to the implant. Other patients can have implants and temporary teeth placed all in one visit. Your dentist will discuss the healing process specific for your situation.
  3. Replacing teeth or a single missing tooth:
    Third, your dentist or lab will custom make a crown, bridge, or dentures to fit your mouth and your implants. Once completed, the custom-made teeth are attached to the implant posts.

Making the crown, bridge, or denture can take some time to complete. In the meantime, your dentist will give you something temporary to fill the space, so you are able to eat and speak normally until the permanent replacement is ready.

Good oral hygiene is very important to the success of the implants. In fact, to help you keep the area around the implant clean, your dentist may recommend that you use a special toothbrush or a mouth rinse to help prevent gum problems and maintain cleanliness.

Advantages of Implants:


Implants are most similar to a natural tooth and often times, they feel more comfortable.

Nearby teeth remain intact and do not have to be involved in the placement procedure.

Implants can last a lifetime with good care.


Implants may help prevent shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss.

Implants may fit better and be more comfortable than removable dentures.

Disadvantages:


Implants require surgery, so they are not for everyone.

Implant replacement may take longer and require more frequent trips to the dentist than other options.

Implants may cost more than other treatments.

Tooth Replacement Options fixed bridges in Lincoln, NE

Fixed Bridges A fixed bridge is a restoration that fills the space where one or more teeth have been lost. It is bonded or cemented into place, and only a dentist can remove it.

How is a Fixed Bridge Placed?

Placing a bridge requires more than one dental visit. During your first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth on either side of the gap, which your bridge will later be attached to.

Next, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and the space. This impression will be sent to a dental lab where technicians will make the bridge out of metal, ceramics, glass-ceramics, or a combination of these materials. A temporary bridge will be placed to protect your prepared teeth while you wait for your permanent one. Once the permanent bridge is made, it will be fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.

Advantages of replacing teeth with a fixed bridge:


A fixed bridge can look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Fixed bridges do not have to be removed for cleaning.

Fixed bridges may cost less than implants.

Disadvantages of replacing teeth with a fixed bridge:


Fixed bridges are likely to be more expensive than a removable partial denture.

Fixed bridges will affect teeth next to the missing tooth. Once the teeth are prepared for placement of the bridge, they will permanently lose their natural look and shape.

Fixed bridges may require extra attention to clean under the replacement tooth

Check out the “What is a flexible partial denture?” video

Best Flexible Dentures in Lincoln, NE

Removable Partial Dentures A removable partial denture allows you to easily remove it for cleaning. Specifically, partial dentures usually have replacement teeth fixed to an acrylic base made of several durable materials that match the color of your gums. As a general rule, partial dentures often have some form of clasp that attaches to your natural teeth. Getting used to a Removable Partial Denture

Typically, it takes some time to master the procedure for putting in and taking out a removable partial denture. So, for the first few times, it may feel odd or tight, but don’t worry, in time you will get used to it. Another key point, remember to never force it into place by biting down. In fact, this can bend or break the clasp. If you have a problem with your partial dentures, visit with your dentist.

To summarize, your removable partial denture is not intended to be worn 24 hours a day. Your dentist may recommend that you take them out at bedtime and put it back in when you wake up.  It is very important to keep your partial denture in water or denture soaking solution when you are not wearing it. Do not let it dry out because it can lose shape. If your partial denture is left out of your mouth for an extended period of time, there is a possibility that your teeth can shift or move. If this happens, your partial denture will not fit properly.

Dr. O'Hara working on replacing teeth on a patient in Lincoln, NE

Your dentist will make follow-up appointments to check for pressure points and sore spots. They will also adjust your denture, so it fits comfortably. Do not try to adjust your partial denture yourself. As you age and your mouth changes, your removable partial denture may not fit as comfortably. There is the possibility for them to break, crack or chip, or one of the teeth could loosen. Sometimes your dentist can make the repairs. Depending on the severity of the problem, repairs can take one to several days.

Advantages of replacing teeth with removable partial dentures:


Removable partial dentures are usually less expensive than fixed bridges or implants when multiple teeth need to be replaced.

Teeth next to the space do not need to be prepared.

Removable partial dentures can be removed for cleaning.

Disadvantages of replacing teeth with removable partial dentures:


Removable partial dentures can be less stable than other choices.

They can break or be lost.

Removable partial dentures may take longer to get used to wearing.


Several appointments may be needed to achieve an ideal fit.

Some people are embarrassed to take out their teeth at night and for cleaning.

Removable partial dentures may need more frequent replacements than implants or a fixed bridge.

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