Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Phoenix, AZ

At Phoenix Family Dentistry, we have several options for replacing missing teeth. If you have a tooth that has been knocked out in an accident or was removed due to decay, we can perform a procedure to replace it so you can regain the full functionality and appearance of your smile. If you live in Phoenix, AZ area, we invite you to call (602) 755-6684 and schedule an appointment with our dental office. After examining you, we will make a recommendation as to which procedure is likely to provide the best results for your appearance and lifestyle goals.

How can I tell which missing tooth replacement options are right for me?

At our dental office in Phoenix, we recognize the significance of providing options tailored to your individual needs. We understand that every person with tooth loss has unique goals and lifestyles. Factors such as dietary preferences, participation in sports activities, and social tendencies can influence the choice of tooth replacement option that suits you best. That's why, during your consultation, we take the time to inquire about your interests and habits. While it may seem unconventional for a dentist in Phoenix, AZ to inquire about hobbies or exercise routines, these details are integral to the decision-making process. For instance, if you enjoy singing in a choir, dentures may not be the ideal solution as they could potentially shift out of place. Conversely, if you engage in marathon running, you'll require a tooth replacement solution that can withstand vigorous impact without becoming loose. After gathering this information and conducting a thorough physical examination, we'll offer a recommendation based on which option we believe will align best with your lifestyle. If you happen to be a suitable candidate for multiple options, we'll inform you accordingly, allowing you to pose more targeted questions regarding the procedures and associated costs.

Out of all of the missing tooth replacement options, which one is the most durable?

At Phoenix Family Dentistry, our dentist in 85053 can give you a well-made and durable replacement tooth, regardless of which option you select. However, if you are looking for a replacement option that looks, feels, and behaves like a natural tooth, a dental implant is the most effective. When completing this procedure, we implant a titanium post underneath the gums and secure it to the jawbone. This serves as a replacement root system. Over the course of one to several months, the titanium and bone will fuse together to create a new root system that is as strong as the original. The process of osseointegration makes it possible for us to give you a sturdy and durable tooth replacement you can count on. In our dental office, we will then attach a new tooth that has been specifically created to blend in with your surrounding teeth. An implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth. It is important to note that this is a surgical procedure, and in order to qualify, your jawbone will need to have sufficient density. As such, not everyone qualifies for the procedure. There are, however, other durable replacement solutions, such as a dental bridge.

A bridge is created by securing a dental crown to the two teeth surrounding the missing one. These crowns serve as anchors to hold a gum-colored bridge in place that a new tooth is secured to. This is the most durable, non-surgical solution you can get to replace a missing tooth, because it is firmly attached. Many of our patients prefer this as an alternative to dentures, while being less invasive than implants. During a consultation, we can explain the benefit of both options so you can determine which solution will work best for you. Additionally, if you have any restrictions, such as your remaining teeth not being healthy enough to support a bridge, we will let you know and suggest a different solution.

In some cases, dentures are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. While not as durable or sturdy as an implant or bridge, they do have their place. Dentures are an ideal immediate solution while waiting for another cosmetic procedure. Also, if you have suffered from resorption and do not have any strong, remaining teeth, they may be necessary. In this situation, modern dentistry has made it possible to wear a set of dentures that looks natural and is less likely to fall out of place. Call us to learn more.

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Phoenix Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Will my missing tooth replacement options be influenced by my age?

At Phoenix Family Dentistry, our goal is to provide you with a tooth replacement solution that is beautiful, natural-looking, and will work for your lifestyle. Age, while a factor in healthcare, has less to do with your ideal tooth replacement solution than what your lifestyle is like. For example, you could be a senior and not want to wear dentures, even though they are common. Regardless of your age, if you lead an active lifestyle, dental implants could be the best solution simply because they are the sturdiest option and will allow you to maintain all of your activities. One thing to be aware of, and this does not have to be age-related, is that when you lose a tooth, the process of resorption starts. This is when the body starts to leach calcium from your jawbone and distribute it to the rest of the body. The longer you wait to visit our Phoenix dental office and have the tooth replaced, the less bone density you will have. When you then go to replace the tooth, your options could be more limited. This makes losing a tooth an urgent matter to attend to.

We recommend that you call (602) 755-6684 and schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as your tooth has either fallen or been knocked out. During your appointment, we will examine your gums, take X-rays, and make a recommendation as to which tooth replacement option will be best suited for your needs. Acting on this quickly will help in restoring your appearance and oral health.

To learn more about dental options for replacing missing teeth, call and schedule an appointment with our Phoenix dentist office today.

Definition of Dental Implant Terminology

Abutment: An abutment is a component that attaches to the dental implant so a professional can place a dental crown to provide patients with an artificial, aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional smile.

Bone Augmentation: Bone augmentation is the process in which a medical professional rebuilds the bone to strengthen it enough for the placement of dental implants.

Bone Density: Bone density refers to the amount of bone mineral in bone tissue.

Bridge: Multiple replacement teeth that are fixed in place via attachment to dental implants, natural adjacent teeth, or a combination of the two.

Dental Crown: A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.

Dental Implant: A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Dental implants may be an option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury, or some other reason.

Endosteal (endosseous): Endosteal is a type of dental implant that a professional places in the alveolar and basal bone of the mandible that transcends only one cortical plate.

Eposteal (subperiosteal): Eposteal is a type of dental implant that conforms to whichever edentulous surface of an alveolar bone is superior.

Implant-Supported Bridge: An implant-supported bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix in place with the use of dental implants inserted in the jaw to create a sturdy set of artificial teeth.

Oral Irrigator: An oral irrigator is a type of water-flosser device that uses a stream of water to clean between the teeth and improve gingival health.

Osseointegration: Osseointegration is the process in which a titanium dental implant fuses with the surrounding bone over several months after an oral health professional places the implant in the jaw.

Periodontal: Literally “around the tooth”

Removable Complete Denture: A removable complete denture is a complete denture that people can remove when necessary, at night, or to clean.

Resin Bonded Bridge: A resin bonded bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix to the surrounding t teeth with a type of resin to provide patients with a long-lasting solution.

Resorption: Resorption is the process in which the body absorbs the calcium from the jaw since there are no tooth roots to cause the necessary stimulation and proceeds to use the calcium in other areas.

Ridge Expansion: A ridge expansion involves widening the jaw for more dental implants when there is not enough space for the implants.

Transosteal (transosseous): Transosteal is a type of dental implant that includes threaded posts which penetrate the superior and inferior cortical bone plates of the jaw.

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth