Here’s a bit of good news for people with missing teeth: advances in modern dentistry have opened new and better possibilities for replacing teeth with long lasting, natural-looking restorations.
Missing teeth are one of the dental concerns that our office treats every day. Dr. Stephen Hoard is one of the most sought after restorative dentists in North Carolina for the replacement of missing teeth. Dr. Hoard works with a team of specialists to ensure that patient’s outcomes look and feel great.
Which Treatment is Best for Replacing Missing Teeth?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for anything in dentistry, especially missing teeth. More treatment options means better choice for patients to find the solution that fits their health needs, aesthetic goals and budget.
The primary options for replacing missing teeth are:
Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is an affordable treatment option for replacing missing teeth. The bridge can be either removable, sometimes called a flipper tooth, or fixed. A fixed bridge is anchored either with dental crowns and/or dental implants.
Dental Implants – A dental implant is a more permanent solution for missing teeth. The implant actually replaces the root of the tooth, becoming fully integrated with the bone. While dental implants to require a more significant investment initially, they have increased longevity compared to a dental bridge and require less care and maintenance.
It is important to note that not all patients will qualify for dental implants. The location of the missing tooth as well as the overall health of the patient and bone structure will be evaluated before the dentist recommends treatment.
Dentures – A denture is used when a person is missing all of their upper or lower teeth. Advances in materials make today’s cosmetic dentures more natural looking and comfortable than previous restorations.
All-on-four Dental Implants – All on Four is an innovative dental implant solution for patients with missing teeth. Using as few as four dental implants, Dr. Hoard can attach an overdenture for a stable, long lasting restoration. The improvement in the fit, look and stability help improve the quality of life and long term dental health for edentulous patients.