Tooth Replacement Options in Cincinnati & Mason, OH

Many people in the US have at least one missing tooth, and there are many options to choose from to restore your smile. At Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of Cincinnati, we offer a variety of tooth restoration solutions and will outline all of your options so you can make the right decision for your smile and oral health.

Dr. Robert Lucas, Dr. Garrett Seghi, and Dr. Eric Murnan are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who also hold medical degrees. As experts in implant dentistry, our surgeons create a custom treatment plan for every patient and offer many anesthesia options. To explore your tooth restoration options or learn more about dental implants, contact our practice in Cincinnati or Mason, OH, today.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Teeth are an important part of the way your smile looks and functions. Missing teeth can make many people feel self-conscious about their smile, but in addition to affecting the aesthetics of your smile, missing teeth can negatively affect your oral health.

• Bone Loss. Teeth roots stimulate the jaw bone, which keeps the jaw healthy and strong. When a tooth or teeth are missing the jaw bone does not receive stimulation, and the bone deteriorates over time. This can cause facial features to sag and future treatment may be necessary to repair the jaw bone.
• Bite Problems. When the upper and/or lower arches of teeth have missing pieces, the existing teeth will shift to fill in the open spaces. Dental shifting changes your bite, which can create difficulties biting, chewing, and speaking.
• Loss of Self-Confidence. For many people, a beautiful smile directly impacts their self-esteem. If you have missing teeth, you may find yourself avoiding smiling in pictures or not wanting to eat around others. By restoring your smile, you can feel like yourself again and laugh, speak, and eat with confidence.

Whether you are looking to replace a single tooth or are struggling with many missing teeth, restoring your smile will benefit your oral health, comfort, and self-esteem.

Top Causes of Tooth Loss

Adult teeth are meant to last forever, but many conditions can cause permanent teeth to break or fall out. Some of the most common causes for tooth loss include:

• Gum Disease. Gum disease occurs when bacteria builds up around the teeth and gums, causing inflammation. As gum disease progresses, it destroys the gum tissue and jaw bone, taking away the structures necessary to support teeth.
• Cavities. A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. A cavity can destroy a tooth's pulp, which may require root canal treatment or extraction.
• Facial Trauma. A slip or fall, sports injury, car accident, or any injury to the face can cause a tooth to get knocked out or broken beyond repair.

Options for Replacing Teeth

There are many options available to replace missing teeth, and they all vary in price, functionality, and health benefits. When you come to our practice for a consultation, your oral surgeon will evaluate your oral health and explain all of your treatment options so you can choose the right type of replacement teeth for your needs.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a healthy solution for missing teeth that are inserted directly into the jaw bone. The implant post acts like a natural tooth root, restoring strength to your new tooth and stimulating the jaw bone to prevent bone loss. Dental implants are the only type of tooth replacement option that integrates with the jaw, which is why they are a popular option for many patients struggling with tooth loss.

Whereas dentures or dental bridges rely on adjacent teeth for support, a dental implant is entirely self-supportive. Implants require a healthy jaw for support, so as long as you have adequate jaw bone, you likely qualify for implants. Once healed, your implant will stay in place at all times. To maintain good oral hygiene, simply brush and floss your implant along with your other teeth—no special cleaning products, dental adhesives, or care regimens necessary. Dental implants are designed to provide long-term results, and when cared for properly, they have the potential to last a lifetime.

Dentures

Full dentures or removable partial dentures can replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch of teeth. You do not have to undergo a surgical procedure to receive dentures and you can receive custom dentures relatively quickly, making them a fast solution. However, dentures do not prevent jaw bone loss, and removable dentures must be taken out to eat and brush. If your dentures are not professionally fitted, they may cause oral sores and slip throughout the day. Dental adhesives may be necessary to help hold dentures in place.

Without a tooth root or implant post present to keep the jaw healthy, the jaw bone will deteriorate. This may lead to costly bone repair treatment down the road. As the jaw bone weakens, facial features begin to sag, making you appear older than you actually are. You should replace dentures as often as every 5 years due to wear and tear.

Dental Bridges

You can receive a dental bridge without having to undergo a surgical procedure. Dental bridges typically rely on metal framework that is attached to adjacent teeth, which supports your new teeth. A fixed bridge will be cemented to your existing teeth and will not come out unless removed by your dentist. Dental bridges restore some functionality, but they are not as strong as dental implants or natural teeth.

Similar to dentures, dental bridges do not fuse with the jaw bone to prevent bone loss. You must take special care to clean around every part of the bridge when brushing to prevent plaque build up. Dental bridges require replacements about every 10–15 years, but some bridges can last up to 30 years.

Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants in Cincinnati & Mason, OH

Our oral surgeons at Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Specialists of Cincinnati specialize in implant dentistry. We stay at the forefront of technology to create detailed surgical guides and provide our patients with outstanding oral surgery experiences. If you have missing teeth or currently wear dentures and are looking for a healthier alternative, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We have offices in Cincinnati and Mason, OH, and look forward to helping you achieve a healthier smile you can feel proud of.