Dentists almost always recommend replacing missing teeth, but which options are available and why is it beneficial to replace a lost tooth?

The benefits of replacing a missing tooth

Perhaps the most noticeable effect of losing a tooth is the altered appearance of the smile. However, losing teeth is not solely a cosmetic issue. Lost teeth can also have a negative impact on oral health and also the function of your mouth, which affects your speech and the way you eat. Replacing missing teeth not only gives you a more attractive smile, which will make you feel more confident; it also enables you to eat a wide range of foods without any issues and improves the clarity of your speech. Tooth replacement treatment can also help to prevent the remaining teeth from slipping out of position and reduce the risk of oral diseases, including gum disease and tooth decay.

Tooth replacement options

There are various options available for people with missing teeth, including:

• Dental implants: dental implants are a very close match to natural teeth and they are designed to act as a substitute for the tooth root. They are small titanium screws, which are fixed into the jaw bone to act as an anchor for a prosthetic, such as a bridge, crown or denture. Implants are able to offer the same level of stability as a natural, strong root and this means you can enjoy unrivalled standards of functionality. Implant treatment takes up to 8 months in total, but this option offers longevity, as implants are designed to last for many years.
• Dentures: dentures are prosthetic sets of teeth, which are made from plastic and acrylic; they are designed to look like natural teeth and they can be used to replace a few (partial denture) or an entire set of missing teeth (complete denture). Dentures are custom-fit and they are held in place by natural suction, which is provided by the gums. Denture treatment usually involves just 2 sessions and dentures are a much more affordable solution than dental implants; however, they don’t last as long.
• Dental bridges: bridges are a popular option for single missing teeth. There are different types of bridge and the most common is the traditional fixed bridge. A traditional fixed bridge is made from a false tooth, which forms part of a bar of crowns, with one on either side. Ceramics are commonly used to create bridges, as they match the aesthetic of the natural teeth. Bridge treatment is fairly straightforward and it usually involves 2 sessions; once the custom-made bridge is in place, it should last for up to 15 years.

With numerous options on offer, it can be difficult to narrow down the choices and select which treatment is best; your dentist will be able to offer their expert advice and talk you through the pros and cons of each treatment.