Losing teeth affects how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, gaps in your smile can lead to bigger problems. You can face bone loss, shifting teeth, and difficulty chewing your favorite foods.
Today’s restorative procedures make it possible to restore the look and function of real teeth. From durable implants to comfortable bridges and dentures, modern options can help you:
- Regain confident smiling and clear speech
- Enjoy all types of food without restrictions
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place
- Maintain your facial structure and youthful appearance
During a consultation, your dentist will explain all available treatments and help you choose what works best for your needs, lifestyle and budget. With the right replacement teeth, you can enjoy a complete smile that lasts for decades.
Dr. Morgan Chambers explains each option below. Learn more about your tooth replacement options in Lexington, KY, and give us a call when you’re ready for a dental exam.
Replacing Missing Teeth: Treatment Options and Solutions
Dental Implants: The Best Solution for Missing Teeth
Dental implants are the top choice for replacing missing teeth. They provide a permanent solution that looks, feels, and works like real teeth. The implant itself is a small titanium post that acts as an artificial tooth root.
During a simple surgical procedure, your dentist places this post into your jawbone. Over the next few months, your bone naturally grows around the implant in a process called osseointegration. This creates an incredibly strong foundation. Once healed, a custom-made crown completes your new tooth.
The benefits of dental implants go far beyond just improving your smile. They’re extremely durable and can last for decades with the right care. Implants actually help maintain your jawbone health by stimulating the jaw bone and preventing it from quickly deteriorating. This is important because bone loss can cause your face to change shape over time, making you look older.
While implants work well for most, they need enough healthy jawbone for support. If you’ve experienced bone loss after having missing teeth for a ling time, you might need a bone graft procedure first. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits will keep your implant in great condition. Dr. Chambers can examine your mouth and let you know if implants are right for your situation.
Dental Bridges: Filling the Gaps in Your Smile
Dental bridges are a reliable way to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge has three main parts: two crowns that fit over your existing teeth on either side of the gap, and a false tooth (called a pontic) that sits in between. The crowns act like bookends, holding the false tooth securely in place.
Bridges offer several important benefits:
- They let you chew and speak normally again
- They prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of place
- They’re usually less expensive than implants
- The process is quicker than implant treatment
While bridges don’t need surgery like implants, they do involve preparing the neighboring teeth by removing some enamel to fit the crowns. This means those teeth will always need protection from then on. With proper care, a quality bridge can last 5-15 years before needing replacement. Brush and floss every day, and don’t skip dental checkups.
Dr. Chambers can help you decide if a bridge is right for you during a consultation. She’ll examine your teeth, discuss all your options, and explain what to expect from the process.
Complete Dentures: A Fresh Start for Your Smile
Full dentures provide a complete set of replacement teeth when all natural teeth are missing in your upper or lower jaw. These custom-made appliances sit comfortably on your gums, giving you back the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
The benefits of full dentures include:
- Restoring your natural facial shape by supporting cheeks and lips
- Improving chewing ability for most foods
- Helping you speak more clearly
- Being the most affordable complete tooth replacement option
While dentures don’t feel exactly like natural teeth, modern materials make today’s dentures more comfortable than ever. It typically takes a few weeks to adjust to wearing them. You’ll remove them at night to give your gums a rest and soak them in a cleaning solution. With proper daily care and regular dental visits, a quality set of dentures can last 5-7 years before you need to replace it.
Dr. Chambers will take precise measurements and create dentures specifically for your mouth. She’ll make adjustments as needed to ensure a comfortable fit that looks natural when you smile.
Partial Dentures: A Removable Solution for Missing Teeth
Partial dentures are a flexible way to replace several missing teeth while keeping your remaining teeth. These custom-made appliances have replacement teeth set in a realistic-looking gum-colored base. They stay in place using either discreet metal clasps or nearly invisible precision attachments that hook onto your existing teeth.
Many patients choose partial dentures because:
- They’re more affordable than dental implants
- They can replace multiple teeth at once
- They’re removable for easy cleaning
- They restore your ability to eat most foods comfortably
Partials take some getting used to at first because they might feel awkward for the first few weeks. Most people adapt quickly. You’ll need to clean them daily and remove them at night to give your gums a rest. With proper care and regular dental checkups, partial dentures can last 5-7 years before needing replacement.
Dr. Chambers can create partial dentures that look natural and feel comfortable. During your consultation, she’ll explain how to care for your new dentures and what to expect as you adjust to wearing them.
How to Choose the Best Tooth Replacement Option
Picking the right way to replace missing teeth depends on a few key things. First, your dentist will check your overall mouth health. They’ll look at how much jawbone you have, and examine your remaining teeth and gums.
Cost is another important factor. While implants last longer, they cost more upfront than bridges or dentures. Your dental insurance may cover some options but not others.
Think about what matters most to you:
- Do you want a permanent solution that feels like real teeth?
- Would you prefer something removable for easier cleaning?
- How important is being able to eat all types of food?
Your lifestyle makes a difference too. Active people might prefer secure implants that won’t move, while others may want the simplicity of dentures.
The best way to decide is to talk with Dr. Chambers. She’ll explain all your choices, answer your questions, and help you pick what works best for your health, budget, and daily life. Remember, there’s no single “best” option for everyone, just what’s best for you.
Treatment for Missing Teeth in Lexington, KY
At Complete Dentistry for All Ages, we offer the restoration options you need for your missing teeth. Our team provides comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Whether you’re thinking about dental implants, bridges, or dentures, our experienced professionals are here to help. Call us today at 859-251-3809 or request an appointment online to learn more about your treatment options.