Losing teeth is a normal part of life. We experience losing our primary (baby) teeth which eventually get replaced with permanent (adult) teeth. As we age, our bones naturally tend to weaken causing mobility in our teeth. However, there are certain factors that contribute to early loss of permanent teeth.
Major factors that cause tooth loss are:
- Periodontal (gum) disease caused by lack of oral hygiene (flossing and brushing regularly). Smoking also causes periodontal disease.
- Neglect of treatment – when patients go too long without treating teeth with cavities.
- Trauma due to accidents or sports-related injuries can cause tooth loss.
Fortunately, there are many ways to replace missing teeth. The options include:
Removable partial dentures:
Cost-friendly, replace one or multiple teeth. They are worn during the day and removed at night. Patients can normally eat while wearing a partial denture, but they take some time to get accustomed to.
Removable complete dentures
Like partial dentures but replaces all teeth in the arch. Many seniors opt for this option as it is non-invasive and easy to clean.
An esthetic, fixed option that can only be removed professionally by the dentist. A bridge is custom-made and is cemented on using the support of adjacent teeth.
A very popular and effective method to replace missing teeth. An implant is a titanium screw that is inserted into an arch; then a crown is made to attach to the implant to function as a real tooth. Bridges can also be placed over two implants if necessary.
Fixed complete (permanent) dentures:
Implants are placed to anchor the denture in the mouth permanently (only removable by the dentist). Recommended for those who need to replace a whole arch of teeth but want more stability than the conventional removable denture.
Don’t let missing teeth affect your life. Missing teeth not only affect the way you eat but also the way you look. To find out the best option for you, contact our Newmarket dentists now!