Multiple Teeth Replacement Options Port St. Lucie, FL
If you are struggling to live with a missing tooth or teeth, we can help with multiple teeth replacement options. Not only can we help to restore your smile, but we can ensure you are able to continue using your teeth as you usually would. Multiple teeth replacement options involve various forms of dental technology to restore the appearance of a smile and the functionality of the teeth.
Multiple teeth replacement options are available at St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Port St. Lucie and the surrounding area. Possible options include bridges, dental implants, and dentures to replace teeth. Our dentist decides on the right tooth replacement option for you based on the location of the missing teeth, how strong the jaw is, and your personal preferences.
Call (772) 242-4124 today to schedule your consultation with our doctor and learn which replacement option is most effective for you.
Available Teeth Replacement Options
One of the most prominent factors that will help us determine an effective tooth replacement option is how many teeth we need to replace. Bridges are artificial teeth, also known as pontics, that close the gap between teeth. Dental implants are a viable option for patients who have a few missing teeth and want an option that does not require removal for cleaning; they look and function just like natural teeth.
When someone has a few teeth left, it may be possible to attach dentures over these remaining teeth; these are called partial removable dentures. Dental implants can be more durable and last longer than other options if the patient takes proper care of them.
“One of the most prominent factors that will help us determine an effective tooth replacement option is how many teeth we need to replace.”
Advantages and Disadvantages of Teeth Replacement Options
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide the appearance of natural teeth and offer other benefits, as well. Other benefits include:
- Not affecting nearby teeth
- High success rates
- Requiring less maintenance
- Sturdiness
However, dental implants also have their own unique set of disadvantages, such as:
- Costliness
- May have a long recovery period
- Require surgery
Dentures
Dentures are a good option for replacing all of a person's teeth. They are also potentially less painful than having dental implants put in. If a patient does not have any remaining teeth or has oral health issues, a full set of dentures can be the right option.
There are many benefits to getting a full set of dentures. These benefits include:
- Being better able to eat food with few restrictions
- Being removable for cleaning
- Protecting any remaining teeth from more wear
- Restoring facial appearance
Cons of dentures include:
- Increased risk of gum disease if not properly taken care of
- Not looking quite as natural as dental implants
- May slip around in the mouth
- Must be removed and cleaned regularly
Dentures Secured by Implants
Dentures secured by implants, also known as implant-supported dentures, are one of the best teeth replacement options available on the market. The implants affix the dentures directly into the jawbone, allowing for total osseointegration. As a result, these dentures function just like natural teeth.
Advantages of dentures secured by implants include the fact that dentures secured by implants come with the following:
- Decreased irritation of gum tissue
- Eliminated need for denture adhesives
- Improved speech and confidence
- Restoration of proper chewing
However, disadvantages of dentures secured by implants include:
- Costliness
- May require an extended recovery period
- Requires adequate bone density
Bridges
For patients who only need one or two teeth replaced, bridges may be the solution. Bridges are held in place by teeth or implants on either side of the false teeth. Artificial teeth can be crafted from materials such as gold but are usually made from porcelain to match the shade of the surrounding teeth.
Unlike removable teeth replacement options, we fix bridges to the teeth. This process can help bridges function more effectively than other treatments. Bridges do not require a patient's jawbone to be of a particular shape or strength. There are a few different types of bridges we recommend based on a patient's individual needs:
- Traditional Dental Bridge. With this type of dental bridge, we place a crown on each adjacent tooth to hold the bridge in place.
- Maryland Dental Bridge. Unlike a traditional dental bridge that is attached to crowns on each tooth, we will bind a Maryland dental bridge onto the natural teeth with either metal or porcelain.
- Cantilever Dental Bridge. If a patient only has one tooth adjoining their dental gap, such as in the back of the mouth, we may recommend a cantilever dental bridge, where we will place one crown on the adjacent tooth to secure the false teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dental Bridge. This treatment is effective for patients who do not have adjoining teeth near the dental gap.
There are many advantages to dental bridges, including the ability to:
- Prevent surrounding teeth from shifting
- Restore facial structure
- Restore the ability to speak normally
- Restore the smile
Of course, there are also some potential disadvantages as well. These include the possibility of:
- Bacteria and plaque getting inside if the crowns are ill-fitting
- Collapsing of the bridge if the abutment teeth are not strong enough
- Crowns changing the structure of the teeth
- Damage to the abutment teeth compromising the bridge
“If a patient does not have any remaining teeth or has oral health issues, a full set of dentures can be the right option.”
Implants
Implants are among the most popular multiple teeth replacement options available. Getting implants is a wise move for patients looking to restore their smile without others noticing the artificial teeth. Implants closely resemble the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Implants allow the patient to once again eat just about any food. This replacement option does not need surviving roots as the implant screw will serve this purpose.
The dental team will begin by taking X-rays and molds of the person's mouth. These go to a lab where a technician custom-makes the implants. The dental professional will then numb the patient, make an incision in the gums, and insert a screw deep into the jawbone. The patient will undergo a healing process before our team can move onto the next step, which can take several months. Then, an abutment, or a post, will attach to the screw and the dentist will place the false top on the post.
Implants are made of titanium and can last for 20 years or longer. These are comfortable and can restore the person's biting function. However, the surgery can be difficult. The cost is typically higher than other options, so patients with multiple missing teeth may wish to consider alternatives.
“Implants allow the patient to once again eat just about any food. This replacement option also does not need surviving roots as the implant screw will serve this purpose.”
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What to Do After Losing Teeth
Losing permanent teeth is a serious matter that patients should not ignore. If you have a medical emergency, consult our staff to discuss same-day service options. For pain, over-the-counter medications are available. If there is bleeding, keep a cloth or towel on the affected area.
Whether teeth fall out from a mishap or the dental team removes the teeth, there are many replacement options. Before choosing one, seek the advice of a dentist so you make a choice that matches your needs and lifestyle. Contact our team and we can review the pros and cons of each treatment, including levels of discomfort and maintenance requirements. The patient and the dental professional will make sure everyone feels good about the decision before proceeding.
The dentist and patient will also talk about the financial implications of the treatment. Some insurance plans will cover all or part of a teeth replacement procedure, while others may view the treatment as cosmetic. Patients can discuss payment plans and financing options with us.
“Conversely, even the most loyal brusher and top-flossing patient can lose permanent teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is involved in getting implants?
Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?
Q. Can dental implants replace missing teeth?
Q. Will dentures stay in my mouth with implants?
People Also Ask
Q. What happens during the implant placement surgery?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. How can a dentist replace missing teeth?
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I replace missing teeth?
A. Yes. Missing teeth are an oral health issue, not just an aesthetic issue. Losing just one tooth can cause the bone to deteriorate and muscles to droop.
Q. Does age affect my tooth replacement options?
A. There are several factors to consider when choosing a tooth replacement option. However, no age is too old or too young.
Q. Which is the right tooth replacement option for me?
A. To determine the most effective replacement option for a patient's tooth, we will need to examine the patient's mouth, medical history, and other relevant factors. Since each option offers benefits and changes to one's oral health routine, it is essential to understand the specific details of each. Our team can help to customize the treatment to meet your needs.
Q. Is replacing multiple teeth expensive?
A. It can be, especially without dental insurance. Luckily, we can help figure out the most affordable option for you.
Q. Does multiple teeth replacement hurt?
A. The answer depends on the tooth replacement option you choose. The doctor can help give you a better idea of what to expect during a one-on-one consultation.
Q. How often do I see a dentist after replacing my teeth?
A. Everyone should visit their dentist once or twice a year for annual checkups. Some patients may require more trips to the dentist than others. Ask our team for a more complete idea of what to expect after replacing your teeth.
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Dental Implant Terminology
Fill in the Gaps, Feel and Look the Way You Want
It can be difficult living with spaces in your mouth. Chewing can be a problem, but you may even feel ashamed to leave your home and talk to people in Port St. Lucie. At St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we have multiple teeth replacement options to correct these troubling issues.
Regardless of how severe your challenges are, you can feel at ease knowing we have the right solution for you. Call us today at 772-242-4124 to talk our team about repairing your smile.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- St Lucie Center for Cosmetic Dentistry was established in 1984.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: St. Lucie County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Port St. Lucie, River Park, White City, Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, St Lucie West, Tradition, Palm City, Jensen Beach, and Stuart
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