Even with all the dental care available, the preventive measures taken and the daily care that is now part of everyone's life teeth can sometimes go missing. Whether it is from extensive cavities, gum disease, injuries, or due to a heredity trait lost teeth can cause many problems. From difficultly eating, speech problems, or the shifting of adjacent teeth, missing teeth need to be dealt with in a timely manner. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most common solutions that your dentist can offer for replacing missing teeth.

A bridge is involves the trimming down the teeth surrounding the missing one, taking a mold, and then having the bridge created out of porcelain and gold. It can take about three visits over up to four weeks to complete. The bridge is fitted over the surrounding teeth, and cemented into place, replacing the missing ones. The replacement teeth look natural and are very comfortable. Of course this is not possible when there are no remaining teeth on the one side of the missing ones.

An implant is also an option. It has recently gained increasing acceptance for tooth replacement. The procedure involves placing a one to one and a half centimeter titanium rod into the jawbone to replace a tooth. After it heals within the jawbone, teeth can be attached to the implant replacing those that are missing. Implants are ideal in situations where a bridge cannot be used for permanent tooth replacements. However implants require minor oral surgery for placement, and can take between 6 to 9 months to complete. Implants are quite expensive and if multiple teeth are missing the cost will far exceed all other tooth replacement options.

The final main option for tooth replacement is partial dentures. Dentures are removable devices used to replace teeth. Partial dentures are low cost and need very little preparation regardless of how many teeth are missing. Of course the disadvantages are the unnatural feel and a possibility of chewing and speaking difficulty. Partial dentures can have a natural appearance but can include metal clasp that is visible when taking or smiling.

Whether you choose a bridge, implants or partial dentures replacing missing teeth is very important. Cost might be an issue but the longer you wait the more it cost to fix. Discuss the benefits and limitations of these options with your dentist before making a final decision.

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