Are you missing a tooth? You’re not alone. Studies estimate that up to 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. That’s more than half of the country.

Losing a tooth as an adult can be frustrating. Unlike losing a tooth as a child, another tooth won’t take its place. You’ll need to see a tooth replacement dentist if you want to restore your smile.

At GR Family Dental, we offer multiple tooth replacement procedures, including:

• Crowns
• Bridges
• Implants

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that fit onto your existing teeth to restore their strength and functionality. Technically, they can’t replace an entire tooth, but they can help if your existing tooth is broken, chipped, or cracked. They can also be used in conjunction with bridges and implants.

What Are Dental Bridges?

If you’ve lost your entire tooth, a dental bridge may be right for you. Dental bridges consist of three parts: a crown, a false tooth, and another crown. The false tooth replaces the tooth you lost, and the crowns anchor the false tooth by fitting onto the teeth on either side of your gap.

What Are Dental Implants?

If you’re completely missing a tooth and want a durable, long-lasting solution, you’ll want to consider a dental implant. Dental implants are titanium rods inserted into the jawbone, acting like the roots of a tooth, and topped with a dental crown. 

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

Not sure which procedure meets your specific dental needs? Our tooth replacement dentists can evaluate your case and determine which procedure is best for you. However, if you’re interested in learning more on your own, here are a few factors you may want to consider.

Eligibility

First, you’ll need to determine if you’re a good candidate for the procedure in question. For example, if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), you may not be a good candidate for a ceramic dental crown, which could break if you clench or grind your teeth too hard.

To be a good candidate for dental implants, you’ll need enough healthy jawbone tissue and gums to sustain the implant. If you don’t have enough tissue for a full-sized implant, you may be a better candidate for our mini dental implants.

Length of Procedure

By far the best thing about getting a dental crown or bridge is that they’re both minimally invasive procedures. They can each be completed in just two visits: one to prepare the receiving teeth and take impressions, and the other to fit the crown or the bridge onto the teeth. In fact, at our office, you can receive a CEREC dental crown made of ceramic in just a single appointment!

Dental implants, on the other hand, require two or more dental visits spaced several months apart. The procedure fuses a metal rod to your jawbone through a process called osseointegration, which can take months to complete. Only after osseointegration has occurred can our dentists then cap your implant with a crown, finally giving you the appearance and function of a natural tooth.

Mini dental implants decrease the length of the procedure significantly. Our dentists can insert a mini implant in just one visit, and the procedure is less invasive, decreasing your recovery time significantly.

Durability

Dental implants are by far the most durable option for tooth replacement. Implants are typically designed to last a lifetime. 

Crowns and dental bridges can last anywhere from five to 15 years, depending on how well they are maintained. Just like with your natural teeth, you’ll want to brush twice a day, floss daily, and continue seeing your dentist every six months for regular teeth cleanings.

Replace Your Tooth and Restore Your Smile

Our Grand Rapids, MI, tooth replacement dentists can replace your tooth and restore your smile with the right procedure. Whether you need a crown, a bridge, or an implant, we’re here to help. Call GR Family Dental at (616) 455-3020, or contact us online to request an appointment.