Top 3 Teeth Replacement Procedures, Explained
The loss of teeth can be devastating, leading to feelings of self-consciousness, loss of confidence, and other problems. But the loss of teeth can also lead to long-term dental complications. When you lose a tooth, the jawbone tissues underneath start getting resorbed by the body, leading to a sagging jawline, which makes you look older. Your bite force is also reduced, so you can’t eat all types of foods comfortably. Furthermore, over time, the surrounding teeth start drifting out of place, leading to misalignment problems, which, in turn, leads to an increased risk of cavities, gum disease, and bacterial infections. As such, if you don’t replace your missing teeth, you may suffer from a host of dental problems.
Whether you’re missing one, several, or even all of your teeth, you have numerous teeth replacement procedures to consider. The most popular and effective teeth replacement procedures include dental bridges, complete/ partial dentures, and dental implants. All of these teeth replacement options have their unique advantages and drawbacks, and they might be suitable for different people. Below, we provide an overview of the top 3 teeth replacement procedures in Houston.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can replace a series of one to four teeth at once. The dental bridge anatomy consists of the prosthetic teeth, known as pontics, and one or two dental crowns located on both sides of the pontics. The pontics replace the missing teeth, whereas the dental crowns hold the entire structure in place. During the dental bridge procedure, the dentist shaves some of the enamel off the surrounding teeth (abutment teeth), following which the dental bridge is attached. As such, you have to compromise the surface enamel of your healthy teeth to support the entire dental bridge structure and replace your missing teeth.
Dental bridges provide the visual appearance of natural teeth — the prosthetic teeth are specially designed to resemble your natural teeth. But they don’t support the underlying jawbone tissues, so you will still suffer from the loss of jawbone and facial sagging. But dental bridges can be placed without surgeries or other complex procedures, making it a simple procedure. You can consider dental bridges if you want a stable restoration of your missing teeth without undergoing surgeries.
Complete/ Partial Dentures
Complete/ partial dentures can replace all of your missing teeth, whether you’re missing some or all of your teeth. A denture is essentially a series of fake teeth placed on a gum-colored base. A complete denture consists of a complete arch of fake teeth, whereas a partial denture only contains fake teeth in specific positions that correspond to your missing teeth. Complete dentures have to be attached to the gums using dental adhesives, whereas partial dentures can be attached to the backs of healthy natural teeth. This is an extremely simple and non-invasive procedure, but the results aren’t very natural. Dentures often slip or slide out of place, which can be embarrassing, and they don’t allow you to eat all foods.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the ideal replacement for missing teeth. Whether you’re missing one, several, or even all of your teeth, you should contact a dentist specializing in implants to explore your affordable teeth implant options. Dental implants are essentially replacements for the root structures of your missing teeth — not just the visible crowns. The dentist attaches the titanium implant within the jawbone of the missing tooth to replace the root. Your jawbone tissues merge with the titanium implant, making the implant a firmly rooted part of your dental anatomy. After the healing process, the dental implant can support crowns, bridges, or dentures, thus replacing all of your missing teeth. The results are completely natural — dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Dental Implants Cost Near Me
How much do dental implants cost? That’s one of the most frequent questions we receive about dental implants. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to ascertain the cost of dental implants without a thorough in-person evaluation. The cost of your dental implant procedure depends on the type of implants necessary, the location of the missing teeth, the number of implants, whether you need dental bone grafts, the type of anesthesia used, and the type of prosthetics used. Based on these factors, your dentist will provide a comprehensive cost for your dental implant treatment during the initial consultation. We can also help you with payment plans to make the procedure more accessible.
Teeth Replacement FAQs
Does A Missing Tooth Need To Be Replaced?
Yes. If you have a missing tooth, you need to get it replaced as soon as possible. Missing teeth can lead to numerous long-term complications, increasing the risk of bone loss, gum inflammation, cavities, bacterial infections, misalignment, etc.
How Many Visits Are Involved?
In most cases, the entire dental implant procedure takes 3 to 4 dental sessions over several months. You have to wait several months after the dental implant surgery to receive the prosthetics. However, some patients with optimal oral hygiene can cut down the total number of visits with the same-day dental implant procedure.
Who Is Qualified To Place Implants?
If you’re considering dental implants, you must visit a dentist specializing in implants. The dentist should have specialized training in oral surgery and implantology.
Schedule an appointment to explore your dental implant costs near me
VIP Dental Implants is one of the most reliable dental clinics specializing in dental implants in Houston. Our dental clinic is led by dentists specializing in dental implants, including the latest dental implant techniques, such as same-day implants, full mouth dental implants, and all-on-four implants. Our dental clinic is located at 2400 Mid Ln. #350, Houston, a short drive from the Galleria, Highland Village, Upper Kirby, Bellaire, or River Oaks. Please schedule an appointment to explore your dental implant costs in Houston.
