Missing teeth can be caused by a variety of reasons including injuries, tooth decay, gum disease, and even genetics. With the technology available in 2021, you’ll be pleased to find many options to replace missing teeth or change the appearance of your smile.

We’ll explore various options along with the pros and cons of each to give you an overview of what to expect when it is time for you to make a decision. Our experienced team at West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dental Care has helped many patients replace missing teeth. We apply a holistic approach, which means we’ll consider all factors that can impact your decision to help you navigate through your options.

Option 1: Dental Implants

Dental implants are appropriate when you require one tooth or your missing teeth are located in different locations of your mouth. Your underlying bone is assessed to ensure it can support the implant. Bone grafts are inserted if necessary to create a healthy bone structure.

Next, a post is surgically mounted into your gum and fixed to the jaw. This implant will serve as a foundation for the replacement tooth to sit on top. This permanent solution is like your real teeth, you don’t have to remove it to clean it and you don’t have to do any type of maintenance to it besides your normal cleaning and dental visits.

Pros of Dental Implants

• Resembles your natural tooth and can last for decades.
• It is attached to your jaw and doesn’t involve other teeth.
• Feels and looks natural.

Cons of Dental Implants

• You must be in good health to handle surgery and recovery.
• There’s a waiting period for healing after the implant is mounted and the permanent tooth can be set on top.
• Are more expensive than other options.

Option 2: Fixed Dental Bridge

Another option is to have a fixed dental bridge that attaches to adjacent teeth and is permanently bonded with dental cement. This option makes sense when you have one or a few missing teeth in the same region of your mouth.

Patients that want to avoid surgery or don’t want to spend as much choose a fixed dental bridge.

Pros of Fixed Dental Bridges

• Have the feeling and appearance of natural teeth.
• Less expensive than dental implants.
• No need for surgical procedures.

Cons of Fixed Dental Bridges

• Challenging to clean under the bridge.
• Altering existing teeth may be necessary.
• Can damage adjoining teeth.
• Bacteria can build-up leading to infections or tooth decay.

Option 3: Removable Partial Dentures

If you are only looking to replace some of your teeth then a removable partial denture can be a good option. It is a dental piece that holds the false teeth on a base that looks like your gums.

The plastic base is held in place and stabilized by your natural teeth. This option is very effective if you have multiple missing teeth located in one particular area of your mouth.

Pros of Removable Partial Dentures

• Have a natural feeling and appearance.
• Less expensive.
• Easier to repair.

Cons of Removable Partial Dentures

• May be uncomfortable until your mouth adjusts.
• Must be removed for cleaning and while sleeping.
• Requirement of daily removable makes them more susceptable to damage.

Why is it Important to Replace Teeth?

Replacing teeth goes far beyond aesthetics. Your set of teeth are designed to work together. If missing teeth are not replaced, your other teeth have to compensate. Your facial muscles and the wear-and-tear of your jaw can also be affected.

Replacing missing teeth will allow you to continue your normal physiology when eating, speaking, and using your jaw. People with missing teeth can experience tooth grinding, sensitivity, and difficulty chewing.

Final Thoughts

There are many options when it comes to replacing missing teeth. The most important factor when choosing which option is best for you is that you feel good about your decision. Your teeth are a major component of health and must be given priority.

Our experienced professionals at West Hollywood Holistic and Cosmetic Dental Care have helped many patients choose the best option for replacing their teeth. We’ll explore every method with you and ensure you understand everything.

Replacing missing teeth utilizing the best method possible will greatly improve your chances of having a healthy mouth for the rest of your life.