When you're missing one or multiple teeth, it has a significant impact on your daily life. Chewing and eating foods comfortably becomes difficult and sometimes even painful. Missing teeth may also affect your speech. You may also feel embarrassed about talking or interacting with others because of the gaps between your teeth.
The good news is that we have excellent options for tooth replacement that can restore the function and aesthetics you enjoyed before tooth loss. Your team at Humble Dentistry is well-equipped to help you reclaim your smile and confidence. Dr. Robert Appel has helped hundreds of patients with tooth replacement, and he can help you, too. Here's what you should know about your tooth replacement options.
Understanding Your Options: A Look at Tooth Replacement at Humble Dentistry
At Humble Dentistry, we offer a range of options for tooth replacement tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you're missing a single tooth or dealing with several compromised teeth, we have options and solutions to restore your smile.
- Dental bridges
- Partial removable dentures
- Full removable dentures
- Dental implants
- Implant-supported dentures and bridges
Dr. Appel has equipped our Atascocita dental office with state-of-the-art technology, which, combined with his extensive skills, knowledge, and training in implant dentistry, enables him to achieve the best outcomes for his patients. We can complete dental implants and implant-supported dentures or partials from start to finish at our Humble, TX, dental office, without the need for you to see a specialist.
To make an informed decision about what's best for your smile, we'll break down each option, outlining its pros and cons and how it works.
Dental Bridges
A bridge uses two dental crowns to support one or more adjacent artificial teeth. We place the crowns over healthy tooth structure, anchoring the prosthetic teeth, which close the gaps left by missing teeth and restore function and aesthetics.
Dental bridges are reliable fixed appliances, which means you don't remove them for cleaning. They do require altering healthy teeth to act as anchors for the bridge. With the proper home care and routine dental checkups, your dental bridge can last for seven to fifteen years.
Partial Removable Dentures
A partial denture is an excellent option if you're missing several teeth but still have many healthy, natural teeth remaining. The partial is a removable appliance that uses metal or acrylic clasps to anchor to healthy teeth. The appliance features prosthetic teeth that fill in the gaps left by missing teeth, much like a puzzle piece. You can remove your partial at night for cleaning while you sleep.
Full Removable Dentures
A full denture replaces an entire arch of upper or lower teeth. It's a removable appliance made of acrylic and designed to restore your smile, chewing function, and facial structure. A removable denture relies on suction to the jawbone to remain in place, and there may be movement and slippage over time as the bone adjusts to supporting the denture. Therefore, you'll need periodic relining of your denture to maintain a snug and comfortable fit.
Today's dentures are carefully designed to consider their impact on your appearance, complementing your skin tone and facial features.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is the tooth replacement option that closely mimics a natural tooth because it restores both the tooth and root. Dr. Appel carefully places the biocompatible dental implant gently into your jawbone, where it naturally fuses and integrates with the bone, becoming part of your dental anatomy and replacing your tooth's root.
It takes approximately three to six months for the implant to fully integrate with your jawbone, after which it's ready to support your new tooth. Dr. Appel designs a custom porcelain crown for single-tooth replacement. Dental implants can also support a bridge or denture to restore multiple missing teeth.
Dental implants protect the jawbone by keeping it stimulated, so you can avoid the bone deterioration that accompanies tooth loss. They also look, feel, and function like a natural tooth, and provide exceptional longevity with the potential to last a lifetime with the right home care and consistent routine checkups with your Humble dentist.
Implant-Supported Bridges and Dentures
Patients missing multiple teeth can enjoy the benefits that dental implants offer since Dr. Appel can use two to six strategically placed implants to support a bridge or denture. An implant-supported denture offers excellent stability for denture wearers, ensuring no movement or slippage during activities such as talking, laughing, or eating.
Choosing the Right Option for You: A Personalized Approach
If you're considering tooth replacement, the first step is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Appel. He will take the time to review your health history, evaluate your current situation, listen to your desires and concerns for your smile. He'll also use 3-D imaging, photos, x-rays, and a thorough exam to assess your needs and recommend the treatment procedures that are right for you. Together, you'll create a treatment plan that helps you reclaim your dental health and reach your smile goals!
Request an appointment with your dentist in Atascocita online, or call our team at (281) 446-2362 to book an evaluation with Dr. Appel.