Alternatives to missing teeth replacement
Replacing Multiple Teeth in El Cajon, CA
You have a few options for replacing multiple missing teeth:
- Dental implants to replace each of the missing teeth
- Dental bridges
- Implant-supported bridges
- Partial dentures
- Implant-supported partial dentures
Implant-supported bridges
A modern way to replace teeth when several of them are missing is implant-supported bridges. Unlike dentures, bridges are permanently fixed in place and are usually made of porcelain, and not acrylic. Bridges act very much like natural teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are similar to conventional ones, but they’re supported by implants rather than natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges can be created in various combinations. Each set of dental implants can generally support up to three replacement teeth.
For example, three missing teeth can be replaced with two implants supporting a three-tooth bridge. Five missing teeth can be replaced with three implants supporting a five-tooth bridge.
Partial dentures
In the past the only way to replace many missing teeth in a row was to use a partial denture. A partial denture has many drawbacks, especially when it comes to talking and chewing. And a partial denture doesn’t prevent bone loss, either.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Losing multiple teeth in a row can create significant challenges for patients. Not only will you have trouble eating, but the teeth on either side of the gap could start to lean in, disrupting your bite pattern and causing further oral health concerns.
In addition, missing teeth can change your appearance, not only affecting your smile, but also causing sunken depressions in the cheeks, depending on how may teeth have been lost. This can impact your confidence and performance in social situations.
The good news is, the qualified dentists and specialists at Rancho San Diego Dental have several options for you to explore when it comes to replacing multiple teeth, including partial dentures and treatments involving dental implants. Implant-supported dentures are a great option for many reasons.
For one thing, implants help to permanently anchor partial dentures so that they won’t slip while you eat, drink, speak, or laugh. A bridge could accomplish the same goal, but dental implants are preferable because they bond to the bone of the jaw, minimizing bone loss common after tooth loss. This prevents recession that can lead to gaps between the gums and false teeth, which look unsightly and open the door to infection.
The other major benefit of implant-anchored dentures is that they’re less costly than replacing every missing tooth with an individual dental implant. While implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement, as they are the closest to your natural teeth, total restoration with implants may not be feasible for every patient, while partial dentures are more attainable.
Implant-supported partial dentures
We use implants to anchor your partial dentures because they don’t slip, are more comfortable and need no adhesive. Implant-supported partial dentures are also an option for people having teeth extracted, and are a much more affordable option than full dental implants. And they help prevent bone loss, too.
Implants are placed in strategic locations and are connected to the partial denture by means of a stud or clip screwed into the denture. A denture can be stabilized with as little as two implants in an arch. The more implants used, the greater the stability and support.
More implants can also give a more tooth-like appearance and feel to your dentures while reducing or eliminating the display of metal clasps and parts. We can also eliminate the pink plastic sides and let the artificial teeth to emerge from the gum just like natural ones.
Complimentary Implant Consultation
We offer a complimentary consultation to see if you are a candidate for dental implants.
We will conduct a comprehensive consultation in which we will get the basic information needed to formulate a treatment plan with several options, and to discuss your goals and answer any questions.
