Options for Replacing Missing Teeth Keokuk, IA
When you meet someone for the first time, one of the first things this person will notice is your smile. A full set of teeth will enhance your smile and appearance. Unfortunately, though teeth are strong and durable, they can be damaged and fall out due to injury or decay. Replacing missing teeth can restore your smile and allow you to eat and speak normally again.
Options for missing teeth are available at Buffalo Prairie Dental in Keokuk and the surrounding area. You should speak to our team about which options make the most sense for your budget and needs. We can provide you with a solution that you can feel good about. Call us today at (319) 313-7220 and schedule an appointment.
Available treatments
The good news for patients who are missing teeth is that there are effective options to correct these issues. An evaluation will factor in a person's medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and how many teeth are missing to decide on the preferred treatment option. Options our team might recommend include:
- Dentures: These can be full or partial. Dentures are removable and made to look like natural teeth.
- Implants: This process takes longer than other options, but implants are more durable. Implants work well for patients who are missing multiple teeth.
- Bridges: As an article on WebMD explains, this treatment fixes artificial teeth to crowns over natural teeth. Bridges can stop surrounding teeth from shifting.
All treatment options have benefits and challenges. Therefore, it is essential for both the patient and the dentist to openly discuss what is available. Then decide on the right fit.
“An evaluation will factor in a person’s medical history, the severity of oral health conditions, and how many teeth are missing to decide on the preferred treatment option.”
Durability Comparison of Tooth Replacement Options
Durability is a critical factor when choosing a long-term treatment option. How long something will last impacts the time it takes out of your life and how much it will cost. The last thing a patient wants is to return to the office every couple of years for more dental work treating the same issues.
Implants are the most durable option. According to an article in Healthline, this is the main advantage of dental implants. These titanium false teeth can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance. Implants also replace a tooth's roots and can make this system as stable as natural roots.
Bridges will not last as long as implants, but this combination of artificial teeth, crowns, and natural teeth can serve a patient well for a decade or longer. It is not removable, but routine visits with your doctor will help monitor the bridge for wear.
Dentures are a moderately durable option and typically require replacement more often than implants and bridges. Patients will need to replace them every seven to eight years. However, the patient should be able to eat most foods with dentures.
“The last thing a patient wants is to return to the office every couple of years for more dental work treating the same issues.”
Implant-Supported Options
Another treatment option for tooth loss is a dental implant, which is becoming a more common option for complete teeth replacement. We offer several different types of implant styles depending on the patient's lifestyle, oral health, and preferences. An alternative is to get implant-supported dentures. This is a method of teeth replacement that features the structure of implants and the flexibility of dentures.
- Dental Implants. Dental implants are a permanent option for complete teeth replacement. More than 3 million people have dental implants, according to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. Dentists place titanium posts into the gums during implant surgery and later attach a tooth crown to each post for a brand new set of artificial teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures. Another option combines technology from both dentures and implants. Implant-supported dentures use surgery to place metal implants into the gums. After healing, the dentist then places a custom-made denture of artificial teeth onto the posts. Patients have a more secure fit but must remove the dentures each night for cleaning.
“Another treatment option for tooth loss is a dental implant, which is becoming a more common option for complete teeth replacement.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Keokuk, IA
Choosing the Right Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
It is beneficial to understand the different treatment options. Patients should consider the extent of their issues. For only a couple of missing teeth, a bridge or implants may make the most sense. For several missing teeth, partial dentures are a good option. Getting full dentures is a common solution to replace all missing teeth.
Patients need to budget wisely too. Implants may be the most long-lasting treatment, but it can be the most expensive as well. People who have less to spend should consider dentures or dental bridges instead. People should look at their lifestyle and determine which replacement option fits their needs and preferences.
“People should look at their lifestyle and determine which replacement option fits their needs and preferences.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How can a dentist replace missing teeth?
Q. What is the most durable option for replacing missing teeth?
Q. What should you consider when deciding on a tooth replacement option?
Q. What are implant supported options to replace all teeth?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of dental implants?
Q. How can I prepare for my first implant procedure?
Q. When should people seek an implant dentist?
Q. What factors enable a patient to receive dental implants?
Q. What is the difference between fixed and removable implants?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can my life improve with all teeth replacement options?
A. Not replacing missing teeth can lead to various problems with oral health. Along with that, it can help to restore one's smile. Complete teeth replacement helps improve speech, eating, appearance, and oral health.
Q. What can I eat with a complete teeth replacement?
A. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures may need to avoid foods such as carrots, apples, nuts, and tough cuts of meat. With dental implants, there is no need to adjust the diet. Whatever one eats, it is important to continue to brush and floss regularly after getting dentures or implants.
Q. What is the adjustment period for all teeth replacement options?
A. After getting implants, there is no adjustment period because they act and feel like real teeth. Wearing dentures for the first time may require an adjustment of about 30 days. Patients may feel a little discomfort in the jawbone as their mouth gets used to the dentures.
Q. What kind of oral care do I need for a complete teeth replacement?
A. Dental implant patients can continue their normal oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash. Patients with dentures or implant-supported dentures should rinse the dentures after each meal and soak them in a cleaning solution at night. All patients should continue to make regular appointments with their dental provider.
Q. When do I need to redo a complete teeth replacement?
A. Dentures are typically replaced every five to 10 years. The bridge from implant-supported dentures may also need replacement after time. Dental implants can last for decades, so they may never need replacement.
Scan here to view this page, Options for Replacing Missing Teeth, on mobile
Dental Implant Terminology
It Is Time to Start Feeling Confident About Your Appearance
You may be amazed by what a big difference a new smile makes. Our staff is eager to help restore your mouth and looks. Call us today at 319-313-7220 so you can replace your missing teeth. You can feel more at ease about eating, speaking, and meeting new people in Keokuk.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Buffalo Prairie Dental was established in 1999.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Lee County, Clark County, Hancock County, Des Moines County and Scotland County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Keokuk, Wayland, Montrose, Hamilton, Warsaw, Burlington and Memphis
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Buffalo Prairie Dental on mobile
Back to top of Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
Related Posts
What Is A Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root plaining is key to keeping your smile healthy and fighting gum disease. This procedure goes deeper than a regular cleaning by removing harmful bacteria and tartar under the gums, halting further damage and helping your gums heal. Prioritizing this procedure can help you avoid costly treatments…
Using Retainers After Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontics requires patience on the part of the wearer. They work their magic at a slow, steady pace, realigning the teeth and/or jaw to create the patient's desired smile.Once the braces come off, the retainer becomes a new addition to a patient's daily routine. Here is a short explainer that goes over the retainer and…
Adjusting The Smile Line In Your Smile Makeover
A complete smile makeover can restore self-confidence and a healthy grin in those who have missing or damaged teeth. Dental implants, braces and dentures can replace gaps in a smile or straighten crooked teeth in people of almost any age. However, before patients take steps to restore their smiles, it can be important to understand…
General Dentistry: 3 Myths About Dental Exams
Proper oral hygiene is an often-overlooked but important part of a person's dental health, as well as overall health. In general dentistry, routine dental exams are a crucial aspect of oral healthcare that maintains healthy teeth. However, there are many myths surrounding exams.The following are three of the most common myths about dental exams, as…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Buffalo Prairie Dental on mobile