Just one missing tooth can be a big deal. It can make it difficult for you to eat the foods you want and cause you to feel self-conscious in your interactions with others. Missing more than one tooth can magnify those issues even further. Living with the negative side effects of missing teeth is not something you must continue to do. Instead, you should explore tooth replacement options to find one that works for you. Three of the main options include dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges can help replace the look and function of one or multiple teeth. A bridge is designed to use surrounding teeth as anchors. A bridge can be removable or fixed. The replacement tooth is held on top of the surface of the gums by the anchors. When you have a dental bridge, it restores function and appearance. Your ability to get dental bridges will depend on the condition of your other teeth and their ability to act as anchors.   

Dental implants

Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss. Implants are placed into your jawbone as a replacement for your tooth root. The implant post and the jawbone fuse together to create a strong replacement root. On top of the surface, a replacement tooth is attached to the post. The replacement tooth serves in the same way as a natural tooth. You can eat with a dental implant in and do not have to provide it with any special care beyond how you care for your natural teeth. The condition of your gums and overall oral health will impact whether or not you are a good candidate for dental implants. Your dentist will have to assess the condition of your oral health in order to determine your candidacy.     

Dentures

Dentures are a tooth replacement option for people who are missing multiple teeth. If you are only missing one or two teeth then dentures are not for you. Partial dentures replace several teeth that are near one another while complete dentures are designed to replace all teeth. Decay, injury, and age are all possible reasons a person may lose many or all teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth and are not a good candidate for other tooth replacement options then dentures may be a good option for you.

There is no one-size-fits-all option for tooth replacement. The options outlined above all have elements that need to be true in order for them to be the right option. The fact that there are multiple options available means that it is possible to find a solution that works in your situation. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get an assessment and discuss which tooth replacement option is right for you.