Missing teeth can change the appearance of your smile, affect your ability to chew the foods you love, and diminish your self confidence. When missing teeth are not replaced, it can lead to a cascade of problems down the road. Regardless of the cause of your missing tooth, your cosmetic dentist on Commercial Blvd has options to replace your missing tooth and restore your beautiful smile. Dr. Nancy Rotroff and Dr. Gerard Wasselle at Excellence in Dentistry provide the highest level of dental care to our patients in Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale by the Sea and Broward County. We are here to help you restore and maintain your dental health for a lifetime.
How can I replace missing teeth?
There are a number of options to replace missing teeth that your dentist in Fort Lauderdale may recommend:
- Dental Bridge. A dental bridge is a permanent restoration that uses dental crowns, sometimes called caps, to bridge the gap left my one or more missing teeth. Abutment crowns are placed on teeth on either side of the space left by your missing tooth or teeth. These crowns are fused together with the pontic crown which replaces your missing tooth. The dental bridge is a single prosthetic which is permanently cemented into place by your Fort Lauderdale dentist. The procedure usually requires two visits, first to prep the bridge and then a few weeks later to deliver your custom-made bridge.
Pros
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- Lasts 10-15 years
- Economic option compared to implants
- Natural-looking tooth replacement option
- Most insurances cover this procedure
Cons
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- Requires prepping adjacent teeth with crowns
- Sometimes difficult to clean
- Will need to be replaced at some time in future
- Partial Denture. A partial denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces one or more teeth. The replacement teeth are supported on a metal or Valplast resin framework that matches the color of your gums. Your partial denture may also have clasps that attach to your natural teeth to hold it in place.
Pros
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- Lasts 10-15 years
- One of most economic option for tooth replacement
- Teeth can be added to partial later if other teeth are lost
- Relatively easy to repair or replace
- Most insurances cover this procedure
Cons
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- Can be uncomfortable
- Must be removed to clean and to sleep
- May not blend with natural teeth due to metal clasps
- They can break or be lost as they are removable
- Will need to be replaced at some time in future
- Dental Implant. A dental implant replaces the root of your missing tooth. An abutment links the dental implant to your dental implant crown to fully restore your missing tooth. Dental implants can also be placed to support a dental bridge or even an implant supported denture to replace all teeth in an arch. Implants are placed surgically into your jaw where they fuse with the bone in your jaw to provide a sturdy anchor for your replacement teeth.
Pros
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- Permanent, life-long replacement of your missing teeth
- Most natural looking and feeling replacement option
- Does not involve or damage neighboring teeth
- Helps prevent bone loss following tooth loss
Cons
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- Most expensive tooth replacement option
- Not all insurance companies cover this procedure
- Requires minor surgery
- May require bone grafting if inadequate bone levels present
- Patient must be good candidate for implants which means healthy, no chronic illnesses such as leukemia or diabetes, non-smoker,
How you replace your missing teeth is an important decision. Schedule a consultation with the best dentist in Broward County to discuss your options for your tooth replacement. Explore the pros and cons of each option and discuss your goals with your dentist to come up with a treatment plan that is right for you. Dr. Nancy Rotroff, Dr. Gerard Wasselle and our team are highly trained dental professionals are dedicated to your best oral health. If you need to replace missing teeth, we can help you make the best choice when it comes to a dental bridge, a removable partial denture, or a dental implant. Call our office to schedule your consultation today: (954) 928-1666.
Nancy Rotroff, DDS, MAGD & Gerard Wasselle, DMD
General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry
2480 E. Commercial Blvd, Suite 2
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
