About this topic
Missing teeth can change your smile and affect how you are able to eat. You may be missing only one tooth or you may be missing many teeth. You may have had a tooth pulled or your permanent teeth never grew in place after your baby teeth fell out. This handout will help you better understand your options for tooth replacement. ‚
General
Your choices for tooth replacement are based on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located in your mouth. The condition of your remaining teeth is also important in deciding the best option for you. Talk to your dentist to decide the best way to deal with your missing teeth. ‚
- Do nothing.
- Your other teeth may shift and fill in the space in your mouth. You may have problems chewing. You may be more likely to have cavities and gum disease.
- Dentures
- These are also called false teeth. Most often, you can remove these from your mouth for cleaning. You may need full dentures to replace all of your teeth or partial dentures to replace a few of your teeth.
- Bridges
- These are also false teeth, but you cannot take them out of your mouth. They are secured to other teeth next to the missing tooth.
- Dental Implants
- With this option, you can replace each tooth individually or use the implants to support many missing teeth. Implants are placed in your jawbone and act as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth.
What will the results be?
Tooth replacement may help you eat the foods you enjoy. You may have more confidence to smile and chewing may become easier. Your speech may also improve. ‚
What foods should be limited or avoided?
Your dentist may recommend that you avoid hard or sticky foods if you have a replacement tooth. Talk to your dentist about the best kinds of foods for you. ‚
Will there be any other care needed?
- Learn how to care for your tooth replacement properly. This is based on the kind of replacement you have chosen. Talk with your dentist to learn what you will need to do.
- You may need to go to the dentist to have your tooth adjusted. The dentist may also need to check it on a regular basis. Be sure to keep your regular visits with your dentist.
What problems could happen?
- Pain or sensitivity
- Allergic reaction to the tooth replacement material
- Appearance of dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line
- Infection
- Implant failure
- Tooth replacement may become loose over time
- You may have a cavity in your remaining natural teeth. This may cause a problem with your denture, partial, or implant.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Call your dentist if: ‚
- You notice a sore spot in your mouth. Your denture, partial, or bridge may need to be adjusted.
- Your denture, partial, implant, or bridge breaks or cracks or a tooth becomes loose
- Your tooth replacement does not seem to be fitting the right way anymore
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ‚
http://aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=576 ‚
American Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=w&iid=186&aid=1230 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/Implants ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/dentures-partial ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/Dentures ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bridges ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚