Tooth loss creates several problems for your smile and complications for your oral health. You may struggle to communicate confidently with others because of gaps in your smile. Chewing, eating, and enjoying the healthy foods you usually love may also become more challenging, impacting your diet and nutrition.
The good news is that there are several solutions for replacing one or multiple missing teeth, and at West Augusta Dental Associates, we can help you with all of them!
Understanding Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an ideal option for replacing one or more adjacent missing teeth by anchoring to neighboring healthy teeth. It relies on porcelain dental crowns to anchor the bridge to healthy teeth while supporting one or more prosthetic teeth between the crowns.
Unlike dental implants, a traditional bridge does not require oral surgery. The process is minimally invasive, and we can typically complete your custom restoration in just two to three weeks.
Revitalize Your Smile with Dentures in Augusta
Full or partial dentures are designed to replace multiple missing teeth. A partial denture fills in the gaps left by missing teeth with a removable oral appliance while leaving space for you to maintain your healthy natural teeth.
A complete denture is made of acrylic and crafted to restore an entire arch of the upper or lower missing teeth. Removable full dentures rely on a custom, snug fit against your gum tissue and natural suction (sometimes assisted by mild adhesive) to remain securely in place.
Restoring Augusta Smiles with Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard in tooth replacement because they replace both the visible tooth and the root beneath the gums. By integrating directly with your jawbone, implants help prevent bone loss and preserve your facial structure long-term.
Implants can replace one missing tooth, which will be the closest you can get to a natural tooth. We can also use two to six of them to support a bridge or denture, so patients missing multiple teeth can also enjoy the advantages dental implants offer, such as:
- Excellent longevity — Since an implant can potentially last for a lifetime, it provides outstanding longevity over the other options that will need replacement.
- Improved function — Single or implant-supported restorations restore chewing function, allowing you to eat confidently and easily.
- Wise smile investment — While the initial cost may be higher than bridges or dentures, their durability and high success rate make implants a more cost-effective long-term solution that rarely needs replacement.
Contact your dentist in Augusta at (706) 738-8070 for more information on tooth replacement or to schedule a consultation.
