Missing teeth is an extremely common problem. In fact, people over age 60 have an average of EIGHT missing teeth![1]
There are many causes for missing teeth:
If you are missing all your teeth, please read about options for replacing all teeth.
There are several ways to replace missing teeth. Depending on your situation, some options may be better than others. However, in an ideal scenario, the best way to replace a tooth is with a dental implant.
A dental implant is like a replacement tooth root. It works by residing in the bone where the root of your natural tooth would be. Then a crown is attached to the top of the implant. Implants work well because they simulate a natural tooth shape, they do not damage nearby teeth, and they stimulate the bone, which prevents bone loss which would normally occur when a tooth is lost or not present.
A second way to replace a tooth is with a “bridge.” This option only works if you have existing teeth in front and behind the space where the tooth is missing. A bridge works by supporting a porcelain or metal crown between two teeth, just like a bridge hangs between two embankments over a river. However, in order to do this, it is necessary to cement crowns on to the two (or more) teeth surrounding the space, which means that when the bridge breaks or becomes problematic, there is a lot more to fix. Also, it becomes much more difficult to floss the natural teeth once the bridge is attached. Bridges were very popular ways to replace teeth in the past, but have taken a backseat as implant technology and technique has developed.
A third way to replace teeth is with a partial denture. Like a denture, a partial denture can be taken in or out. This is both a good and a bad thing. It is good because it can be cleaned (and it is definitely important to clean a partial denture, as it tends to trap a lot of food debris), but it is also a bad thing because of the incovenience, but also because when taking out a partial, it is possible to break it or to lose it.
Partial dentures are good sometimes. When you need several teeth replaced in one arch, partial dentures are the most cost effective ways to do so. Also, if an implant or bridge is impossible, more than likely, a partial denture will be possible.
For more information about your specific situation, we would be happy to see you for a consultation!
[1] “NHANES”: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5403a1.htm