The loss of a tooth, whether due to disease, decay, or trauma, has more significant consequences than merely aesthetic ones. Your bite, chewing, and speaking skills may then be affected. Knowing what the options are and how they operate based on your individual needs is crucial for anyone researching tooth replacement options in Sherman Oaks.
The following article aims to inform patients about the three most common methods of replacing missing teeth: dental implants, bridges, and dentures. A licensed dentist in your area who is capable of accurately diagnosing and treating any condition you may have should be consulted.
It’s Important to Replace Missing Teeth
The absence of a tooth can cause neighboring teeth to shift, affecting your bite and jaw alignment over time. This may eventually cause the face’s structure to change, the jawbone to erode, and the remaining teeth to become more worn down. The function and potential long-term maintenance of oral health are improved by tooth replacement.
Option 1: Dental Implants
What Are Dental Implants?
A titanium post called a dental implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone in the location of the natural root. is subsequently joined to a crown that replaces one or more teeth in a stable and aesthetically pleasing manner.
Dental Implants: Pros and Considerations
| Pros | Considerations |
| Integrates with the jawbone, mimicking natural tooth roots | Requires surgery and healing time |
| Designed for long-term durability with proper care | Not suitable for everyone, as bone density and health factors matter |
| Looks and feels like a natural tooth | Can be more expensive than other options |
| Helps prevent bone loss in the jaw | The treatment timeline can span several months |
Option 2: Dental Bridges
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge fills the void left by a missing tooth that is suspended on abutting teeth (or implants) to maintain position. The bridge is normally prepared with crowns on both sides and covered with a false tooth (pontic) in the middle.
Dental Bridges: Pros and Considerations
| Pros | Considerations |
| Fixed in place, feels stable, and doesn’t require removal | Requires reshaping adjacent healthy teeth |
| Often completed in fewer dental visits than implants | Doesn’t prevent jawbone loss (no root replacement) |
| More affordable than implants in many cases | May need to be replaced after several years |
| No surgery needed | Risk of decay or damage to supporting teeth if hygiene isn’t maintained |
Option 3: Dentures
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are detachable devices that are used to replace lost teeth. They can be partial, replacing a few teeth at a time, or full, replacing every tooth in a jaw.
Dentures: Pros and Considerations
| Pros | Considerations |
| Affordable option, especially for replacing multiple teeth | May feel less stable compared to fixed options |
| Non-surgical, non-invasive solution | May require adjustments over time as the mouth changes |
| Can improve speech and chewing ability | Needs daily cleaning and proper care |
| Available in full or partial designs for flexibility | Some patients may take time to adjust to the feel of dentures |
Which Tooth Replacement Option Is Right for You?
The best solution depends on multiple factors:
- Number and location of missing teeth
- Jawbone health and density
- Budget and insurance coverage
- Lifestyle and personal preferences
- Overall oral and general health
Our Sherman Oaks dental office offers comprehensive examinations and goes over all of your options so you can decide what’s best for you.
Note: All procedures must be recommended and performed by a licensed dental professional following a comprehensive dental exam and medical history review. No outcome can be guaranteed, and all treatments carry potential risks.
Looking for Tooth Replacement in Sherman Oaks?
Through clinical expertise and compassionate care, our team is available to assist you in navigating the process. If you’re considering dentures, bridges, or dental services in Sherman Oaks, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a licensed dental professional to determine the most appropriate option for your needs.
FAQs About Tooth Replacement Options
- Are dental implants painful?
The majority of patients experience little or no pain with placement at and after insertion. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, and any post-surgical pain can generally be controlled with OTC medications. Make sure to ask your dentist what you can expect. - What is the average lifespan of dentures or bridges?
Dental bridges may last 5-15 years or even longer, in which case they are considered a good long-term dental solution. Dentures should last 5–10 years or more, but may need to be adjusted in the interim to accommodate changes that occur naturally in the mouth. - Are dentures still a good option today?
Yes, dentures look and feel more comfortable and natural than before. While not as stable as implants or bridges, dentures are an effective and inexpensive substitute, particularly for those who have more than one missing tooth. - Who are the ideal candidates for dental implants?
Good oral health, healthy gums, and adequate jawbone are a few of the requirements for being considered an ideal candidate for dental implants. Eligibility will be determined by a dental professional after assessing bone structure and medical history. - Can I eat normally with dentures or bridges?
After some time of adjustment, patients can eat a wide variety of foods with either dentures or bridges. Biting has to more careful with harder or stickier foods. With proper fit and adaptation, many patients find it easier to enjoy meals again.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Tooth replacement options, including implants, bridges, and dentures, must be evaluated and recommended by a licensed dental professional based on an individual’s unique oral health needs. Results may vary, and no guarantees are expressed or implied. If you are experiencing dental issues or considering treatment, please consult with a licensed dentist or specialist in your area. This content is written in accordance with general dental practice standards in California and does not replace personalized professional care.