Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

A smile can be affected dramatically by missing teeth. There could be various reasons for missing teeth such as gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition. Irrespective of the way a tooth is lost, the space it created would badly affect your teeth’s alignment over time. And if they are not replaced down the road, it could cause several problems. At Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA, we provide various tooth replacement options for our patients to restore their smile and mouth functionality.

Why Should a Tooth Be Replaced?

The significance of your teeth is not usually appreciated until they are lost. And regrettably, teeth do not last forever. The loss of even a solitary tooth can impair your oral health and confidence, as well as: 

• Speech
• Capacity to chew food, 
• Jawbone’s integrity, 
• Alignment of teeth.  

What Are the Tooth Replacement Options Available?

Fortunately, there are many excellent alternatives available to replace your missing teeth to help restore your lovely smile, including:

• Dental Implants

Dental implants are very dependable tooth replacement prosthetics that both look and feel like natural teeth. They provide a permanent solution if you need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. If you take good care of them, dental implants can last your lifetime. 

The process of placing your dental implant may need a couple of months. A metal implant will be surgically inserted into your jawbone to replace your missing tooth’s root. This will serve as the foundation for the prosthetic tooth to be attached on top of it. The implant will need a few months to heal and become securely grafted to your jawbone. Once the dental implant has healed completely, a dental crown will be placed on top and secured.

• Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is a perfect solution for multiple missing teeth in a row. With this method, only the teeth at the two ends are secured with implants, extending solid support for the remaining artificial teeth.

• Tooth-Supported Bridge

A tooth-supported bridge employs your existing teeth to support the placement of the prosthetic teeth. A crown is secured on the teeth next to the missing ones and bonded into position. 

• Removable Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures are a comparatively economical option to replace missing teeth. They are recommended for individuals with a few missing teeth. Removable partial dentures are clasped into their correct positions, ensuring that the false teeth are held in the suitable spots.

If you are interested in learning more about the different tooth replacement options, call Roshan Emam DDS in Palo Alto, CA, at (650) 321-0340 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Emam.