All Your Tooth Replacement Options Explained

Losing a tooth can shake your confidence and cause dental and digestive problems. If you’re looking for a way to restore your smile and reclaim your oral health, we have good news.

Dental Art of South Bay in Torrance, California, offers a range of tooth replacement solutions that we tailor to fit your needs. 

Here’s our in-depth guide to help you navigate your many tooth-replacement options. Our experienced dental experts, Dr. Dana Samet, Dr. Bethany Jung, and Dr. Alyssa Nowlen, explain each method and make recommendations based on your lifestyle, preferences, and dental health. 

The basics of tooth replacement

Whether you lost a tooth due to injury, decay, or disease, replacing it is critical. Beyond wrecking your smile, missing teeth can lead to functional issues, bone loss, and dental health problems. 

When considering tooth replacement, several factors come into play:

• The number of missing teeth
• The location of missing teeth
• The health of the surrounding teeth and gums
• Your overall health and the ability to undergo specific procedures
• Long-term maintenance and cost considerations

Understanding these factors is crucial in selecting the right option for you. Here are some of your choices.

1. Metal framework partial dentures

Metal framework partial dentures are the traditional solution for those missing multiple teeth on a single arch. This partial denture has a metal base that attaches to your existing teeth, often with clasps, to hold the prosthetic teeth in place.

Metal framework partials are known for their strength and stability. They’re less bulky than other options, and the metal frame fits securely.

However, they have a few drawbacks. The metallic hardware is visible, which can be a downside aesthetics-wise. Also, the metal frames can wear down the natural teeth they clasp onto over time, so you’ll have to deal with additional maintenance to prevent damage.

2. Acrylic partial dentures

Acrylic partial dentures are another common type of removable partial dentures. They have a pink, gum-colored acrylic base, making them more aesthetically pleasing than metal framework partials.

Acrylic partials are most suitable if you’re only missing a couple of teeth. They’re also adjustable and can be easily modified to fit your mouth comfortably.

Acrylic dentures are usually less expensive and generally less intrusive than metal framework dentures. However, they may not be as durable and can be bulkier, which may affect your speech and feel less natural in your mouth. They also tend to break more easily than metal framework dentures.

3. Dental implants

Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement. They have a titanium post that we surgically place into your jawbone to mimic the root of your natural tooth. 

The main advantage of implants is that they provide a permanent, stable foundation for replacement teeth and help prevent bone loss in the jaw, a common side effect of missing teeth. However, not everyone is a candidate for dental implants, as they require sufficient bone in the jaw and careful post-operative care.

4. Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are a type of overdenture supported by and attached to implants. We recommend them for people with several missing teeth and enough bone to support the implants.

Implant-supported dentures are much more stable and comfortable than traditional dentures. They also help you chew more naturally, reduce the risk of bone loss, and eliminate the need for denture adhesives.

5. All-on-4 implants

The All-on-4 dental implant technique provides a complete set of permanent upper or lower teeth using four strategically placed implants without requiring bone grafting. The All-on-4 approach can save time and money by reducing the number of implants needed and eliminating the need for bone grafts. 

The supporting cast

You also have choices when it comes to the details of your tooth replacement options. Here’s a look at the customizable aspects. 

Soft denture liners provide a cushioning effect when you have severe ridge resorption or bony undercuts that may make wearing regular dentures uncomfortable.

As you age, the ridge of your mouth can shrink or change shape, so your dentures may no longer fit as they should. Denture relines add new material to the tissue side of the denture to adapt to these changes and ensure a snug fit.

Crowns cap a damaged or decayed tooth, providing strength and a natural shape. Whether you need a crown to support a bridge or an implant, several common types include porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, and metal crowns. 

Finding the most suitable tooth replacement option is a personal decision — the choice you make will impact your daily life, health, and self-esteem. Call Dental Art of South Bay to schedule an appointment to discuss your tooth replacement options with our experts.