Missing teeth?
By Eric Seidel, DMD
One of the nicest changes in dentistry is that
people are keeping more of their natural teeth for a lifetime. As
recently as 1960, studies showed that a majority of seniors were
missing a vast majority of their teeth. It is suggested that by 2020 this
same age group will now have the majority of their own natural
teeth. This does not suggest, however, that people are still
not losing teeth at too high a rate and that tooth replacement options are
not as important today as ever. It does signal a paradigm shift that once
suggested that at some point in a person's life they would almost assuredly
be wearing full dentures.
Full dentures still offer people the opportunity to function reasonably well and have an attractive smile. It is often one of the only options we have when someone is missing all of their teeth or have teeth that are no longer savable due to extensive periodontal disease or rampant tooth decay. However, the primary downside of a full denture is the discomfort that they can cause (as they sit directly on gum tissue) and general retention. Eating an apple or chewing a piece of steak is not the experience is once was. They can be aided with the use of dental implants to get a superior fit. In some cases implants can be used to entirely replace the need for a traditional denture. Although this is a wonderful option we now have, cost tends to be the biggest barrier to the greater utilization of dental implants.
When a person is not missing all of their teeth, we then have more options at our disposal. Implants, fixed bridges or partial dentures are all acceptable means of replacing select missing teeth. I have them listed in the order that I present them. Implants are still the nicest option we have to help restore a mouth to its original condition. A workup must be completed as not everyone is a candidate for implants. Fixed bridges work very nicely but require healthy teeth on either side to support them and are a little more difficult to maintain. As with dental implants, fixed bridges allow us to achieve esthetics as nice as or nicer than the original teeth. Partial dentures are the most economical way to replace multiple missing teeth, particularly on both sides of the mouth. The challenge with partial dentures is maintaining good long-term retention and keep the supporting teeth healthy. Although the esthetics are good, they are not at the level of implants or bridges.
It is our goal today to maintain teeth for a lifetime. Although great options exist today for tooth replacement, nothing is a nice as having our own natural teeth. When this isn't possible we review the different replacement options available and find what will best meet the needs of the individual based on expectations, function and cost. The only detrimental option is doing nothing. Bite collapse, periodontal issues, TMJ issues, recession and excessive wear and fracturing and loss of other teeth can all result from lack of a complete dentition. It is my belief that with good listening and comprehensive planning that we can find a solution that will work for anyone and allow them to have a full set of teeth and a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Full dentures still offer people the opportunity to function reasonably well and have an attractive smile. It is often one of the only options we have when someone is missing all of their teeth or have teeth that are no longer savable due to extensive periodontal disease or rampant tooth decay. However, the primary downside of a full denture is the discomfort that they can cause (as they sit directly on gum tissue) and general retention. Eating an apple or chewing a piece of steak is not the experience is once was. They can be aided with the use of dental implants to get a superior fit. In some cases implants can be used to entirely replace the need for a traditional denture. Although this is a wonderful option we now have, cost tends to be the biggest barrier to the greater utilization of dental implants.
When a person is not missing all of their teeth, we then have more options at our disposal. Implants, fixed bridges or partial dentures are all acceptable means of replacing select missing teeth. I have them listed in the order that I present them. Implants are still the nicest option we have to help restore a mouth to its original condition. A workup must be completed as not everyone is a candidate for implants. Fixed bridges work very nicely but require healthy teeth on either side to support them and are a little more difficult to maintain. As with dental implants, fixed bridges allow us to achieve esthetics as nice as or nicer than the original teeth. Partial dentures are the most economical way to replace multiple missing teeth, particularly on both sides of the mouth. The challenge with partial dentures is maintaining good long-term retention and keep the supporting teeth healthy. Although the esthetics are good, they are not at the level of implants or bridges.
It is our goal today to maintain teeth for a lifetime. Although great options exist today for tooth replacement, nothing is a nice as having our own natural teeth. When this isn't possible we review the different replacement options available and find what will best meet the needs of the individual based on expectations, function and cost. The only detrimental option is doing nothing. Bite collapse, periodontal issues, TMJ issues, recession and excessive wear and fracturing and loss of other teeth can all result from lack of a complete dentition. It is my belief that with good listening and comprehensive planning that we can find a solution that will work for anyone and allow them to have a full set of teeth and a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Eric Seidel,
D.M.D. is a general dentist at Drs. Null, Seidel and Dental Associates and an
Invisalign preferred provider.
Drs. Null, Seidel & Dental Associates
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
(717) 334-8193
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