Dental patients could face tooth loss because of periodontal disease, smoking, improper oral hygiene, and dental injuries. When replacing missing teeth, the patients must consider which products are most effective in replacing their teeth and fit within their budgetary constraints.
Some dental insurance will not pay a majority of the cost of some tooth replacement methods. In fact, any options that are classified as cosmetic will get the least amount of coverage. When comparing the replacement methods, the patient must consider how well the replacements work and which products fit within their lifestyle. They have the option to choose partials, dentures, implants, or bridges.
What You Should Know About Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent solution to tooth loss. Patients that lost a tooth that is close to the front of their mouth are more likely to get a dental implant to replace the tooth. Dental professionals can install individual implants, sections, or full-mouth implants.
Individual implants are installed by starting with a titanium root that is installed in the gum through the tooth socket. An implant crown is connected to the titanium root to create a natural-looking tooth that performs like the original tooth. If the patient needs a section of teeth, the dental professional connects the implants to a short plate and installs an implant root at the end of each side of the partial implant plate.
If they need full-mouth implants, the dental professional connects four implant roots to a full plate of dental implants and installs them in the gums. They install a separate plate for the top and bottom teeth.
When maintaining dental implants, dental patients can use traditional toothpaste and mouthwashes. However, they should avoid excessive use of whitening products that could damage the implant crowns. Dental professionals can provide advice about maintaining dental implants. Patients can learn more about Dental Implants in Idaho Falls by contacting a dental professional now.
Who Should Get Dentures
Patients who have lost their teeth because of periodontal disease underwent extractions for all damaged teeth. Dentures are an affordable choice for patients who cannot afford the cost of dental implants. The dentures are created from an image of the patient’s natural teeth. Dental professionals could use imaging software to create a model of the natural teeth. When constructing the dentures, the dental professionals get a mold of the patient’s gums to achieve a better fit.
The dentures are constructed using a wax mold and won’t rub on the gums or become uncomfortable for the patient. They will secure the dentures in place by using a denture adhesive.
The patients can use a variety of denture cleansers to remove food and particles from the dentures. They can also use toothpaste designed specifically for dentures. It is not recommended that they use standard toothpaste when cleaning the dentures, and the patients should avoid whitening products as they may damage the dentures.
Should You Get A Partial?
A partial is created to cover a section where the teeth are missing. The partials are held in place with a denture adhesive, and they won’t fall out of the patient’s mouth. They aren’t the same as a bridge that is connected with brackets. Partials are constructed in the same way as dentures, and the dental professional will use a model of the patient’s natural teeth.
Partials are often used for the front teeth after the patient has undergone multiple extractions. Smokers are more likely to need partials if they do not maintain proper oral care and visit their dentist to repair tooth damage properly. For some patients, the partials are more affordable, and they may be covered under the patient’s dental insurance more thoroughly.
When maintaining the partial, the patient will use denture creams and cleansers to avoid damaging the partial. They will need to remove adhesives from the partial whenever they clean the dentures. They should clean the partials daily just like they would their natural teeth.
Patients who have dentures or partials must clean their mouths properly, too. Even if they are missing teeth, they should brush and floss their remaining teeth. If they have undergone full-mouth extractions, they should brush their gums and tongue to eliminate bacteria and germs.
Temporary and Permanent Bridges
Temporary bridges are held in place with brackets installed around teeth at the end of the bridge, and the patient uses adhesives to keep them secure all day. The bridges are constructed in a similar way as the dentures, but the materials are often stronger. The patients will complete the same cleaning steps for the temporary bridges, and they will remove the bridges to clean them and soak them in cleansers.
Permanent bridges are installed in the mouth permanently. The dental professional will create a mold of the natural teeth and connect it to a dental plate. The dentist installs a crown at each end of the permanent bridge, and the bridge is bonded to the gums for maximum security. The patient will not have to worry about the bridge coming out, and they won’t have to take them out to clean them. Dental professionals can install permanent bridges throughout the patient’s mouth to restore their smile, and the bridges may get more coverage from their insurer than dental implants, which are often classified as cosmetic. Bridges are considered reconstructive.
Dental patients consider a variety of tooth replacement methods that meet their needs. For example, dental implants and permanent bridges are the most effective solutions for patients that do not want a removable device. Partials, temporary bridges, and dentures must be removed to clean them properly, and the patient can clean them more effectively by soaking them in cleansers.
When comparing these options, dental professionals can answer the patients’ questions about the tooth replacement methods. They can calculate the price of each method after the insurance coverage is applied. The patients can find a brilliant solution that could restore their smile and ensure they regain their ability to speak and chew properly.