Tooth replacement refers to the placement of an artificial tooth in your mouth in an area where you have lost teeth. Loss of teeth can be due to several factors. Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is the most common cause of tooth loss. There are other causes like a mechanical injury to the mouth, pregnancy, and osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis refers to a condition in which your bones are weak and easily susceptible to fracture; in this case, your gums will be too weak to support the teeth, and you will experience teeth loss. Loss of teeth can be treated through teeth replacement. The choice of treatment that your dentist will recommend usually depends on the cause
of tooth loss.
Before you decide to get a tooth replacement, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the procedure. What options are there for tooth replacement? How much will the procedure cost you? Where can you get tooth replacement services? What are the chances of the success of the procedure? These are some of the few questions that you should have answers to before getting the procedure.
Now, here are five things about tooth replacement you should know:
ONE: There are Three Options Available for Tooth Replacement.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are metallic posts surgically placed in your gum that hold artificial teeth in position. The artificial tooth can be temporary or permanent, depending on your choice. Any healthy person is eligible for this tooth replacement option.
You need to have a strong jawbone to hold the metallic post in place and be able to recover from the procedure without any complications. However, you do not qualify for the procedure if you have a chronic disease like diabetes. Diabetes causes slow healing of wounds, which can predispose your gum to healing complications once the procedure is completed.
Removable Dentures
Removable dentures are common among old aged people. It is a suitable option if you want to replace several lost teeth. The artificial teeth are usually attached to a pink plastic base. The teeth around the area missing a tooth will hold the denture in place.
The color of the plastic base and teeth of the denture you will be given will match that of your gums and natural teeth, respectively.
Fixed Dental Bridge
This type of tooth replacement is suitable if you have lost one tooth or several teeth around a single area. It acts as a bridge between the area missing a tooth and the adjacent teeth. A dental prosthetic is placed between the remaining teeth, and then dental cement is used to bind the prosthetic into place.
TWO: Dental Implants are the Most Common Replacement Option in the US
Dental implants are the most popular tooth replacement option because their rate of success is as high as 98%. Many people prefer this option because it has many advantages compared to dental bridges and removable dentures.
Advantages of Dental Implants
- They give you a natural smile, similar to natural teeth. This is because the artificial teeth are embedded in your gum, similar to your natural teeth.
- They boost your self-esteem and are more convenient. This is because unlike removable dentures, you do not have to remove the artificial teeth. Removable dentures can embarrass you when you are in public and need to remove them.
- You can talk better with dental implants. Removable dentures can fail to fit your mouth and constantly slip within your mouth when you talk, making it difficult for you to pronounce some words.
THREE: The Cost of Tooth Replacement
The cost of tooth replacement will be determined by the tooth replacement option that your dentist will recommend and the number of teeth that you have lost. The cost will also vary depending on whether your insurance provider covers for tooth replacement.
All the replacement options mentioned above can be covered by insurance providers leaving you with just a small amount to pay. Dental implants are a slightly more expensive option with one single implant costing $3,000 to $4,500. The cost can be as high as $6,000 in some dental clinics.
Removable dentures are the cheapest priced at $1,500 to $3,000, while dental bridges cost $3,000 to $5,000.
FOUR: Associated Side Effects
Removable dentures and dental bridges have little to no risks involved with them. However, dental implants are associated with certain risks. A common risk includes infection at the surgical site since the procedure involves drilling a hole in the gums. This risk is usually prevented by the use of antibiotics after surgery. Other risks, though rare, include damage to the nerves and surrounding structures such as blood vessels.
FIVE: Where are these Replacement Options Available?
You can get tooth replacement services in any dental clinic that offers the services. You can check the services offered by the clinic on their website and also read their reviews.
A simple “tooth replacement near me” search on your phone can also result in thousands of options where you can get tooth replacement services. However, be careful with some of the search engine results you find because not all service providers are professionals.
Also, you can request a friend, who has received tooth replacement services, to direct you to the clinic where he or she received the service.
Our clinic offers professional tooth replacement services to anyone within Florida who has tooth loss. John Paul Gallardo DDS is an award-winning periodontist with 25 years of experience in tooth replacement services such as dental implants. He guarantees that you will walk out of the clinic with a beautiful smile. Our address is:
2020 SW 27th Ave
Miami, FL, 33145
If you need tooth replacement services, call us today on 305-447-1447 to schedule your appointment