Data by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry shows that over 150 million people are suffering from the problem of missing teeth. There’s no second thought about dental implants being the best treatment for missing teeth, but many people avoid them due to their high cost and search for alternatives to dental implants.
Missing teeth substantially harm your oral health, confidence, and looks. Most importantly, gaps caused by missing teeth can cause nearby teeth to wander, resulting in bite alignment problems and jaw discomfort. To save you from the hassle, we’ve gathered information about the alternatives to dental implants.
By the end of this blog, you’ll be aware of the various dental implant alternatives. Let’s embark on a journey of cheap options for missing teeth.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
Millions of people prefer dental implants as the best tooth replacement option. Some patients seek alternatives to dental implants due to the disadvantages of dental implants, such as delayed bone healing, potential jaw and nerve injury, and lengthy treatment period. These approaches could be both preventive and corrective.
Root Canal Therapy
When faced with a threatening infection inside your tooth, root canal therapy provides a viable solution to cleanse the tooth and restore its health. It is one of the alternatives to dental implants, commonly employed when the damage or decay inside the tooth can be removed and replaced with fillings.
During the root canal procedure, dentists remove the infected pulp from the tooth, and place a filling. Subsequently, a crown may be placed over the tooth to provide added protection against future decay or infection. In less severe cases, a crown might not be necessary, and the tooth can be sealed without one. It’s an effective way to salvage a tooth and maintain oral health without dental implants.
Gum Disease Treatment
Another alternative to dental implants is gum disease treatment. Gum disease can lead to tooth enamel damage, decay, and cavity formation over time. In severe cases, it may even cause tooth loosening. However, with proper regenerative care, it is possible to restore the health of your gums.
It’s essential to remember that gum disease treatment may not address all of your dental problems, nor will it enhance the appearance of your existing teeth. Taking gum disease treatment seriously is crucial because neglecting it can lead to infections spreading to other parts of your body from your mouth. Prioritizing this treatment can have a positive impact on your overall oral and systemic health.
Dentures
Dentures are a natural-looking, comfortable, and removable option for tooth replacement. Depending on the amount of your tooth loss, you might pick between partial and full dentures.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are designed for people missing teeth one or more teeth. They have gum-colored bases that support replacement teeth. They’re attached to your natural teeth; your supporting teeth may require crowns to provide a solid fit.
Designed for those with one or more missing teeth in either the upper or lower jaw,
Full Dentures
Recommended when you have lost all your teeth or when existing teeth must be removed due to decay, infection, or other dental issues, full dentures come in two types. A full upper denture is held in place by a seal attaching the bone ridges, palate (roof of the mouth), and gums, whereas a full bottom denture is held in place by dental implants (anchors).
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a recommended option when a patient has one or more missing teeth. On either side of the space produced by the missing tooth, dental crowns support this dental restoration. Dental bridges are securely connected in your mouth, ensuring that they will not slip or become loose, allowing you to speak and eat comfortably.
Not only do dental bridges provide a natural appearance, but they are also easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the dental crowns on neighboring teeth offer protection against damage and prevent them from shifting out of position. However, it is essential to have strong and healthy adjacent teeth to ensure adequate support for the dental bridge.
Flipper
A flipper is a natural-looking, temporary partial denture that attaches to the sides of a missing tooth. It stays in place through the palate of the mouth or suction on the roof, effectively preventing adjacent teeth from drifting. Notably, flippers do not necessitate metal clasps and are comfortable to wear. However, it’s essential to note that while less expensive, flippers are not a permanent tooth replacement solution.
Implant-Supported Bridges
If you’re searching for alternatives to dental implants, many options are worth considering. For instance, patients with multiple missing teeth can explore the option of an implant-supported bridge. In this procedure, implant screws anchor adjacent teeth, supporting the replacement tooth. The process resembles traditional dental bridges, but titanium screws are employed to ensure the bridge’s stability and strength instead of using crowns.
Is Doing Nothing Safe?
One common question that dentists frequently encounter is whether doing nothing about dental issues is viable. It may be tempting to avoid visiting the dentist or the costs of treatment, but neglecting tooth problems can result in significantly higher expenses and more complex treatments in the future.
Untreated cavities or infections can cause extreme discomfort and have a harmful impact on the general health of your teeth, demanding extra dental care in the long run.
Furthermore, if you remove a tooth without replacing it, your gums, jawbone, and neighboring teeth may disintegrate over time, leading to more serious problems requiring costly surgery. Ignoring dental problems can have serious effects; therefore, addressing them as soon as possible is critical to maintaining good oral health.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing tooth pain and your dentist has suggested you for dental implants. Visit River’s Bend Family Dental; our experienced dental team will examine your situation and recommend appropriate alternatives to dental implants.
Call us at 763-576-1855 to schedule your appointment.
FAQs
- Can I live without a tooth implant?
Delaying or rejecting dental implants can exacerbate the situation. Even a short period of 12 months with a missing tooth, including after an extraction, leads to bone atrophy. It means that the bone density and height decrease and deteriorate almost immediately. Prompt action for tooth replacement, such as dental implants, is essential to prevent further bone loss and maintain oral health.
- Which is better false teeth or implants?
Making an informed decision between dentures and implants in conjunction with your dentist is critical. While implants may have a higher initial cost, they have the advantage of lasting 20 years or more, as opposed to dentures, which may require periodic adjustments or replacements over time. Weighing the long-term benefits and your specific dental demands will assist you in making the best selection for your oral health and general well-being.
- How long do dental implants last?
If you brush and floss frequently and visit the dentist every six months, the implant screw can last a lifetime. The crown, on the other hand, has an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced owing to wear and tear. Regular dental care and appropriate oral hygiene can help to ensure the success and longevity of dental implants.
