Top Oral Surgeon Falcon, Peyton, Limon, Colorado Springs and surrounding areas
Replacing Missing Teeth
Your teeth affect your whole body. When they are healthy, so are you. Missing teeth can impact your bite, speech, and food choices. Over time, relying more on your remaining teeth can lead to excessive wear, damage, or even further tooth loss. This imbalance may also contribute to headaches and jaw pain.
After losing a tooth, up to 25% of the supporting jawbone structure can be lost within the first year. Placing dental implants soon after tooth extraction is often the best approach, as bone loss can make future implant placement more complex. The good news? Dental implants function just like natural teeth, preserving your jawbone, maintaining your oral health, and enhancing your smile.
Your dentist and implant surgeon will work with you to explore your tooth replacement options, ensuring you make the most informed decision for your long-term health and confidence.
Tooth Replacement Options
There are several options available to replace missing teeth, ranging from temporary solutions to long-term restorations. Whether you are missing a single tooth, multiple teeth, or are dissatisfied with dentures, there may be a solution that fits your needs.
Most patients are good candidates for tooth replacement, regardless of age. However, certain factors—such as smoking, diabetes, or previous radiation therapy in the area—can affect the success of dental implants. To determine if implants are the right option for you, we will take X-rays of your jaw to assess bone density and structure. In some cases, additional imaging or procedures may be needed to ensure proper implant placement.
Our team will work with you to explore the best options for restoring your smile and oral function.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge consists of connected replacement teeth that are permanently cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth. To accommodate the bridge, the protective outer layer of these supporting teeth is usually reshaped or reduced.
Flipper
A flipper is a temporary, lightweight, and budget-friendly option. It is a removable plastic tooth attached to a plastic retainer, providing a quick but fragile solution.
Metal Partial
A more durable alternative to a flipper, a metal partial denture is made of a combination of metal and plastic. It is held in place by small wire clasps and can be easily removed and reinserted as needed.
Denture
For patients missing all teeth in the upper or lower jaw, complete dentures offer a traditional solution. While some patients adjust well to dentures, others may find them uncomfortable due to differences in jaw size and shape.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide the most secure, long-lasting, and natural-feeling solution. They serve as a strong foundation for replacement teeth, preserving jawbone health and preventing bone loss. Implants can support individual crowns or specialized implant-secured dentures without affecting healthy surrounding teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, offering stability, comfort, and a natural appearance.
Why Select Dental Implants Over More Traditional Types Of Restorations?
Dental implants offer several advantages over traditional tooth replacement options:
Preserve Natural Teeth – Unlike dental bridges, which require reshaping healthy adjacent teeth for support, implants stand independently, protecting surrounding teeth.
Increased Comfort & Stability – Removable dentures and partials can shift, cause discomfort, or interfere with speech and eating. Implants provide a secure, natural-feeling solution.
Convenience – Unlike dentures, which need to be removed at night, implants function just like natural teeth, eliminating the hassle of daily removal.
Long-Term Benefits – Dental implants help maintain jawbone structure, preventing bone loss that can occur with missing teeth. They are a durable, long-lasting solution that can enhance both oral health and confidence.
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