Replacing Missing Teeth – Treatment Cost, Options and Procedure

Missing teeth can be embarrassing and have a serious impact on your overall confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, thanks to modern dentistry, there are various options to replace missing teeth that are both affordable and effective. 

When considering a tooth replacement procedure, it’s important to understand the different treatments available, their associated costs, and the steps involved in each procedure.

The good news is, with the right guidance, you can make an informed decision that will leave you with a beautiful smile. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of tooth replacement, their associated costs and the steps involved. 

Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can lead to a host of issues, including shifting of the teeth, gum disease, problems with your speech, and a decrease in your self-confidence. Replacing missing teeth is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. 

A full set of healthy teeth can help you eat and digest food better, speak with clarity, and keep your other teeth in place. Replacing missing teeth also helps maintain the shape of your face.

Having a complete set of healthy teeth can also help improve your overall health by making sure that all your other vital organs are functioning correctly. 

Missing or damaged teeth can make it difficult to chew properly, leading to poor digestion and nutritional deficiencies that can lead to other health issues. 

Replacing missing or damaged teeth also helps protect the rest of your oral structure from decay and disease by preventing gaps where bacteria and plaque can build up. It’s important to replace any missing or damaged teeth as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring. 

What Are The Treatment Options For Replacing Missing Teeth?

Ninety-two per cent of adults aged 20 to 64 have cavities, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). People who are missing teeth also make up a sizable population segment. There are a variety of options available thanks to the many advances in dentistry that have occurred in recent decades. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts that are implanted into the jaw beneath the gums. They are anchored into the jaw and function as artificial teeth. 

Dental implants may not be the ideal choice for replacing a full arch of teeth, but they do a great job of replacing a single tooth. However, dental implants replicate the appearance and function of natural teeth and can survive for many years. 

Types of Dental Implants

1. Endosteal Implants

Endosteal implants are a type of dental implant that is surgically embedded into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They are the most commonly used type of dental implant. 

Endosteal implants are made from titanium and other biocompatible materials that make them strong enough to withstand the forces of biting and chewing.

2. Subperiosteal Implants

Subperiosteal implants, unlike traditional implants, require a lengthy healing period and require significant bone structure. Subperiosteal implants are placed beneath the gum line, directly on top of the existing jawbone. 

A metal frame is placed under the gum with a post attached to it. This makes them ideal for patients who have had extensive tooth loss due to age, disease or trauma.

3. All-on-4 Dental Implants

The All-on-4 implants involve replacing an entire upper or lower arch of teeth with a set of dental implants. A fresh set of permanent teeth can be secured in place by these four implants. All-on-4 dental implants are often a viable option for adults who want to avoid dentures. A small titanium screw is placed into your jaw which replaces the root of the missing tooth. This requires a small surgery. 

Once that is done, a crown is connected, with the result being a very real-looking and functional tooth.   

Procedure

A dental implant procedure usually takes several months to complete.

1. Initial Consultation & Preparation

Your dental practitioner will do a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. The dentist will use a CBCT or CT scan at this stage. Either scan can be used to provide a thorough look at the potential implant site.

In this step, teeth are extracted or bone is restored or grafted to prepare a solid foundation for the implant.  

2. Placement of the Implant

The dentist will place the implant once the incisions have healed and it has been determined that the placement is suitable. The implant process typically takes between three and six months to complete.

3. Whole Mouth Impression

A dentist will take a full impression of the mouth to make a crown.

4  Installing the Crown 

If the implant has healed sufficiently, a crown can be placed on it. Because it is based on an impression, the crown should feel and look just like the real thing. 

Costs

Dental implant costs are based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the number of teeth that need to be replaced, and the dentist’s location.

The cost of dental implants in Australia might vary between $3,000 and $6,500. The average cost per tooth in 2017 was about $5,563, but you’ll need a substantial down payment to get financed. 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.
• Implants can last a lifetime with the right care.
• They help preserve healthy bone structure in your jaw.
• Dental implants reduce the risk of gum disease or other complications associated with missing teeth.

Cons:

• Dental implants are more expensive than other options, such as dentures or bridges.
• The procedure is lengthy and may require multiple visits to the dentist.
• You must have adequate bone density in your jaw for successful implant placement.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth (called a pontic) placed between two crowns (called abutment