Losing a tooth is a bad experience, especially if you lose one of your anterior teeth because you’re not only losing a tooth but also your smile. Tooth loss also can cause chewing and speaking problems. The good news is that if you lose a tooth, it can be replaced with different treatment options such as bridges, partial dentures, or dental implants. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will discuss the different treatment options if you lose a tooth and need it to be replaced as well as what to expect from each option.
If you lose a tooth, What are the Consequences If It isn’t Replaced?
If you lose a tooth, don’t wait to get it replaced. It can affect your ability to chew and speak properly. Additionally, if you lose a front tooth, it can make your smile unattractive. The consequences of losing teeth include:
- Difficulty chewing, which can lead to malnourishment and weight loss.
- Difficulty speaking clearly.
- The surrounding teeth may start to shift.
- Temporomandibular joint disorders due to unbalanced bite.
- Losing a tooth can affect your smile, which can affect your self-esteem.
If any of these consequences are affecting you because you lost a tooth, it is time for you to consider treatment options to replace it.
3 Treatment Options If You Lose a Tooth & Want It to Be Replaced
There are three main treatment options available to you if you lose a tooth and need to have it replaced: partial dentures, dental bridges, and implants. We will discuss the types of tooth replacement in detail below.
Partial Dentures – The Affordable Option
Partial dentures are removable prostheses that consist of artificial teeth and an acrylic base. Partial dentures can replace one or more missing teeth.
- Advantages of partial dentures: they are the most affordable option, and they are easy to use and clean.
- Disadvantages of partial dentures: they may cause soreness in the gums and mouth and can be loose and uncomfortable. Also, they can slip off when speaking or eating. Partial dentures are not durable as other treatment options and need to be replaced every 5-7 years. Read more about partial dentures for molars.
Dental Bridges – The Common Option
Dental bridges are fixed dental prostheses that can replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of two crowns, which are attached to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth, and an artificial tooth in between, which is attached to the crowns.
- Advantages of dental bridges: they are fixed, can mimic the appearance of natural teeth, and maintain normal bite and occlusion. Also, they can last for 15 years and even longer with proper oral hygiene. Dental bridges are less invasive than implants.
- Disadvantages of dental bridges: they are more expensive than partial dentures and require the reduction of adjacent teeth for support. Read more about bridge types in dentistry.
Dental Implants – The Best Option If You Lose a Tooth & Want It to Be Replaced
Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to provide support for a variety of artificial replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are considered to be the best option if you lose a tooth and want it to be replaced because they provide long-term support.
- Advantages of dental implants: they are fixed, provide long-term support, and provide the most natural look and feel. Also, they can last a lifetime with proper oral hygiene.
- Disadvantages of dental implants: they are the most expensive option and require surgery. Also, it may take 3 to 6 months after surgery (healing period) to get the final prosthesis (crown or bridge) because the implant needs to integrate with the surrounding bone.
If you lose a tooth, don’t wait to get it replaced. Talk to your dentist about the best treatment option for you. Partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants are all viable treatment options that can restore your smile and tooth function.
Factors You Should Consider When Making Treatment Decision
There are several factors you should consider when making your decision, including cost, the time required for treatment, location of the missing tooth, and which treatment option will provide the most natural appearance. You should also consider your oral health, your dental history, and whether you have any medical conditions that could affect your treatment. If you lose a tooth and want to replace it, visit your dentist to discuss the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision. Read more about treatment options if there are no molars on one side of the mouth.
If I Lose a Tooth, Can It be Replaced – Conclusion
If you lose a tooth, don’t wait to get it replaced. There are three main treatment options available: partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. Dental bridges and implants are stable and provide a natural look, while partial dentures are the most affordable option. Also, you should consider several factors when making a treatment decision, such as cost, the time required for treatment, and the location of the missing tooth. Discuss the different treatment options with your dentist and choose an option that will provide you with the most natural-looking results.
