Our Tooth Replacement Options
If you lose a tooth, we recommend replacing it as soon as possible. The longer you go without replacing the tooth, the more serious the side effects get. We offer various tooth replacement options at our Greer, SC, dentist office.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best innovations in modern dentistry. Before dental implants, our tooth replacement options had many negative aspects to them that made tooth replacement not desirable for some patients. Today’s dental implants are highly successful and look extremely natural.
Dental implants may be your best option if you are looking for a permanent cosmetic solution to missing teeth. Because they replace the tooth root, you get back 100% of your bite function and don’t have to change your diet. They fuse with the jawbone and stop it from deteriorating further, too. Dental implants replicate natural teeth because they have a root as well as the crown of the tooth.
Dental Bridges
In some situations, dental implants are not possible or are not the best tooth replacement option. Dental bridges are the next best option. We make dental bridges that look very natural and are cemented permanently in the mouth. A dental bridge does not have to be taken out at night. Dental bridges are placed permanently on natural teeth like a dental crown. A bridge consists of a crown on the tooth in front of the missing tooth and a crown behind the missing tooth, with an artificial porcelain tooth connected to both crowns.
Dental bridges can replace a single tooth or multiple consecutive missing teeth. They come in removable and fixed options. Removable bridges are taken out to eat and clean, while fixed ones stay in all the time. They’re a faster option than implants, using two natural teeth on either side of the bridge to anchor it in your mouth. Implant-supported bridges are available as well.
Eat a nutritious and balanced diet:
Healthy and nutritious foods help to promote strong teeth. Fruits and vegetables will also assist in removing plaque from your teeth. Lastly, drink plenty of water to keep your oral cavity hydrated, especially if you have a dry mouth.
Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks:
Foods and drinks that are high in sugars and starches can contribute directly to dental decay. To prevent damage to your teeth, try to avoid soft drinks, candies, and cookies.
Drink water from the tap:
Unlike most bottled water, tap water usually contains fluoride. Fluoride and saliva supply the minerals that tooth enamel needs to repair itself. This helps to keep the enamel strong, effectively protecting it from decay.
Visit your dentist regularly:
Be sure to see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and professional dental cleanings. You can ask the dental expert about sealants and supplemental fluoride.
Lastly, avoid habits such as teeth grinding that wear down the outer layer of the enamel, increasing the risk of dental decay.
Dentures
Dentures replace a full arch of missing teeth. Traditional dentures are removable and stay in place with suction and adhesive. Implants can also support them. Without implants, they’re faster and cheaper, as are dental bridges. However, the fit will change with time since you aren’t replacing the tooth root. You’ll need to get them readjusted or replaced in the future.
A removable partial denture is a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth. A properly designed and fabricated removable partial denture can affordably accomplish our patients’ functional and cosmetic goals. In cases where multiple teeth are missing, dental implants or bridges can be cost-prohibitive, so it can be worth exploring the removable partial denture option. RPDs must be removed and cleaned at night time but can be used to chew food and function throughout the day.
