San Francisco and Marin CA
Tooth loss is quite common among adults in the U.S., and the chance of having missing teeth increases with age. But that doesn’t mean you have to be ok with gaps in your smile. While tooth loss may not be a big deal to some people, for others, it can be incredibly embarrassing. If you have a missing tooth that you’d like to replace, we’ve got good news for you. Today on the blog, our implant dentists in Marin share the best tooth replacement options to help you decide which one is right for you.
Before deciding which tooth replacement option is right for you, the dentist will evaluate the cause of your tooth loss to ensure your new teeth fit your needs. But here are a few common tooth replacement options for adults of all ages.
Dentures and partial dentures
Known as a tried-and-true tooth replacement option, dentures and partial dentures have long since been relied upon by many adults to restore their smile and chewing ability. However, not all patients like the idea of wearing a removable denture. Therefore, we also offer an implant denture option that pairs dentures with implants to secure your false teeth while wearing them, although you can remove your dentures before bed. Dentures require a lower upfront cost, which is why they remain a popular tooth replacement option. However, dentures may need to be remade as your jawbone changes over time, especially if you opt for dentures when you’re relatively young.
Dental bridge
A dental bridge is usually a three-unit restoration that attaches to the two adjacent teeth that are on either side of the missing tooth. The unit fits over the two teeth like a dental crown, with an abutment or false tooth that connects in the middle. Once in place, you won’t notice that you have a dental bridge because it looks like three separate teeth. We recommend keeping the area along the gum line clean and free of food debris to prevent gum infections and bone loss that could compromise your healthy crowned teeth that hold the bridge in place. Dental bridges can be costly, but are usually less than a dental implant, although bridges may need replacement over time. Therefore, keep that in mind when you compare the costs of your tooth replacement options.
Dental implants
Our Marin dentists also offer dental implants, a permanent tooth replacement option that can be used to replace one or more teeth. Dental implants are ideal for adults whose oral health is in good standing. Therefore, if you have an active gum infection, you’ll have to get the infection under control with proper dental treatments or else the implant may not take, and you could risk losing the money you invested in the implant process.
Benefits of dental implants include never having to take your false teeth out of your mouth because the implant is imbedded into the jawbone with a titanium post that is designed to last a lifetime. And since implants are permanent, you have teeth 24/7 even while you sleep!
Another benefit to dental implants is that they look and feel completely natural, and no one will be none the wiser when they see you smile. There is no way to tell if you have dental implants when you smile. Plus, eating will feel comfortable and natural since implants remain secure and won’t slip or shift in the mouth like dentures.
Get dental implants in Marin and San Francisco, California
Living with tooth loss doesn’t have to be your end game. Glen Park Dental offers multiple tooth replacement options that are perfect for all budgets. If you would like to learn more about restoring your smile by replacing missing teeth or see if you are a candidate for dental implants, contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500.
