Most of the time, replacing missing teeth as soon as possible is a good idea to keep your mouth healthy and prevent further tooth loss. Our Grande Prairie dentists can offer you a variety of tooth replacement options, and you and your dentist will collaborate to determine which option is best for you.
Do I really need to replace my missing teeth?
When teeth are missing, they can cause a variety of oral health problems if left untreated. Because the remaining teeth can shift out of their proper positions, discomfort, difficulty chewing, wear and tear on the surrounding teeth, and misalignment of the bite are all possible.
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 Grande Prairie 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
Although we at South 40 Dental do not offer dentures, we still feel it is important to educate our patients on all of their oprions.
Dentures are a type of removable tooth replacement. It may take some time to get used to the procedure, and the results will never be identical to having your natural teeth. In most cases, modern dentures are the least expensive option for replacing missing teeth because they are extremely natural-looking, comfortable, and functional.
You can choose from two different types of dentures, depending on your needs. Full dentures are used to replace all of the teeth in one jaw. A single missing tooth or a row of teeth can be replaced with partial dentures. Your dentures will be custom-made for you based on the impressions taken of your mouth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a permanent tooth replacement that is secured to the teeth or dental implants on either side of the missing tooth. Non-removable dental bridges provide a secure and comfortable fit for the patient. Your dental bridge will last for many years after it is installed before it needs to be replaced.
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.
The dental implant and crown combination has the appearance, feel, and function of a natural tooth in almost every way except for the colour. While implants tend to be more expensive and invasive than crowns or bridges, many people find that the natural look and feel they provide are worth the investment.