Questions & Answers:
- What are the consequence of missing teeth without replacement?
• Nearby teeth shift, move to fill missing tooth space
• Sinus above upper jaw bone changes size --- may get thinner
• Change in facial features
• Possible headaches and neck muscle tension
• May cause infection of other teeth
• Jaw bone shrinks in height and width
2. What can we do to replace the missing teeth?
Fortunately, missing teeth can be replaced.
The following are three options your dentist may suggest, depending on your needs.
- Removable partial denture( Denture )
- Fixed partial denture ( Bridge )
- Dental implant
- What are the pros and cons of each treatment option?
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES | |
DENTURE | -more economic and easier to repair | -less stable -easier break or lost -can be uncomfortable -may need more frequent replacement than other options |
BRIDGE  | -last longer and not require to take out as denture similar in size and shape of our natural tooth :not feel big as denture -can tolerate well by strong gag reflex patient | -need sacrifice heathy neighbouring tooth -slightly higher cost than denture -supporting abutment may need advance treatment in future |
 IMPLANT | -most similar to natural tooth -preserve the bone structure and less shrinkage -can save neighbouring teeth from damage -may last for many years if good maintenance | -require surgery -higher cost compare other treatment -may require more dental visit |
- Denture-new wearer, what to expect, how to cope with it,who to deal with.
Dentures can restore or even enhance a person's appearance and be virtually undetectable. It takes some time to find the best way to insert and take out the dentures, and the gums will be a little sore in places at first
The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away.
Eating with the dentures in place requires some practice. It is best to start with soft foods, chewing food equally on both sides of the mouth and slowly introducing more solid foods. Chewy or sticky foods should be avoided. Once the cheeks and tongue get used to the denture, they will begin to automatically help keep the denture in place.
Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.
If your denture become very loose because gradually decrease in bone height (no support and retention for denture ), you can consider mini implant to help secure denture in place.it can improve your quality of life.
