Missing teeth isn’t just a nuisance or insecurity. Having missing teeth can completely alter someone’s quality of life and can cause them to struggle through their everyday lives because of pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are multiple teeth replacement services that can help people find the pain relief they need. Dental implants have phenomenal benefits that increase functionality and comfort and can last for years if cared for properly.
Living with oral pain can leak into every aspect of your life. At Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants in Elizabeth, NJ, we understand the struggle of oral health issues. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons bring more than 40 years of combined experience and treat over 7,000 patients per year across Elizabeth, Union City, and Staten Island. We know it can be painful, and we are proud to be equipped with the resources, equipment, and skills to help you find the best treatment option for you. Contact our office today to learn more about our multiple teeth replacement services and how we can customize a treatment plan to meet your needs.
When is it Necessary to Perform Multiple Teeth Replacement Services?
Living with missing teeth shouldn’t be taken lightly. More often than not, missing teeth can cause severe problems in the gums, face, and overall health. Dental implants are the go-to procedure for replacing multiple missing teeth. It’s a beneficial procedure that can address the following issues arising from missing teeth:
- Difficulty with chewing food
- Shifting of adjacent teeth
- Gum disease
- Poor hygiene or bad breath
- Bone loss: if the mouth has missing teeth, the body tries to heal itself naturally, but this can lead to bone resorption
- Avoiding talking or smiling due to pain or discomfort
There are three treatment options for those with missing multiple teeth: tooth-supported bridges, implant-supported bridges, and implant dentures.
Treatment Options for Multiple Missing Teeth
The best procedure for you will depend on the health of your jawbone, the number of remaining teeth you have, and your overall oral health. It’s important to consult an oral specialist who can give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Tooth-Supported Bridges
A dental bridge consists of replacement teeth that are held in place by the surrounding teeth. A tooth-supported bridge is held in place by the teeth on either side of a gap known as abutment teeth. A crown is cemented on both abutment teeth to place a tooth-supported bridge. These crowns are then cemented to the bridge of replacement teeth. This procedure is a good option for patients who still have their abutment teeth intact and want to avoid surgery.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Instead of using teeth to support the bridge, the procedure uses dental implants to hold the bridge of replacement teeth. The replacement teeth between the implants are held in place by implanted teeth. Unlike the tooth-supported bridge, this procedure requires multiple visits to secure the bridge.
Implant Dentures
Bridges can be used to replace multiple teeth and implant dentures can be used to replace an entire set of teeth at one time. Dentures help the facial and jaw muscles work properly to help patients eat, speak, and smile normally.
Receiving treatment for multiple missing teeth can help with the following:
- Stopping the bone deterioration process
- Helping with comfort and stability
- Maintaining the integrity of the facial structure
- Keeping the gum line intact
- Restoring natural biting and chewing capacity
- Preserving adjacent natural teeth
- Allowing patients to eat foods such as steak and corn
- Creating a more natural look
Oral health is essential to our overall health and comfort. While it’s not discussed as much as other types of medical services, it’s important to stay on top of our oral health. At Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants, we can help ensure you are proactive about your oral health.
What Are the Benefits of Implant-Supported Bridges Over Fixed Bridges or Removable Partial Dentures?
There are several advantages to multiple dental implants over fixed bridges or removable partial dentures. For one, multiple dental implants are placed without the support of adjacent natural teeth, creating more functionality and a more natural look. Another benefit is that multiple dental implants don’t require the time-consuming maintenance needed with removable dentures (they need to be removed and cleaned after eating and soaked overnight). Dental implants can be cared for with the same daily brushing and flossing routines for natural teeth.
Furthermore, multiple dental implants replace some of your teeth roots ensuring that the bone will be better preserved. Dental implants integrate with your jawbone, helping to keep it healthy and protect your natural smile. In contrast, with a fixed bridge or removable partial dentures:
- The bone that previously surrounded the tooth root may deteriorate over time, leading to jawbone recession
- The gums and bone may recede around a fixed bridge or removable partial denture, leaving a visible defect
- The cement holding the bridge in place can wash out, allowing bacteria to decay the teeth that anchor the bridge
- Removable partial dentures can move around in the mouth, reducing the ability to eat certain foods
Generally, multiple dental implants are more natural-looking, functional, resistant, and comfortable than removable partial dentures or fixed bridges.
Need Multiple Teeth Replacement Services? Contact Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants Today
Needing to replace multiple teeth is not an easy undertaking. At Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants, we understand the pain, discomfort, and possibly even self-esteem issues that people can face because of oral health. Our team is dedicated to helping our patients find the joy and beauty in their smiles again.
Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants is the top choice for oral health services for a reason, we prioritize our patient’s needs and wants. Our patients trust us because of our state-of-the-art facilities, flexible financing options, equipment, and methodology. We provide you with the level of care that meets your most important oral healthcare needs. Contact our office today by calling 908-585-4990 or by completing our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Teeth Replacement in Elizabeth
How Much Does Multiple Teeth Replacement Cost?
Cost depends heavily on how many teeth are missing and which solution fits your case, from a tooth-supported bridge to full implant dentures. Cost varies by case, and our team can provide a personalized estimate after your evaluation. We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options.
How Many Appointments Does Treatment Take?
Most multiple-tooth replacement plans involve an initial evaluation, a surgical visit for implant placement, a healing period of several months, and a final visit to attach the permanent restoration. The exact number of appointments depends on the solution recommended for your case.
Will My Insurance Cover Multiple Teeth Replacement?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for tooth replacement procedures, though implant coverage varies widely by plan. Our Elizabeth team can help verify your specific benefits before your appointment.
What Happens if I Wait to Replace Missing Teeth?
Delaying replacement allows the jawbone beneath missing teeth to continue shrinking, adjacent teeth to drift, and bite alignment to shift. Starting the evaluation process earlier generally preserves more bone and keeps more treatment options available.
How Long Do Implant-Supported Restorations Last?
With proper care, implant-supported bridges and implant dentures can last many years, and the implants themselves are designed to be a long-term, permanent foundation. Regular checkups help catch and address any issues early.
Medically Reviewed Content
This page was reviewed for accuracy by the oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Legacy Oral Surgery Group, who bring more than 40 years of combined experience treating patients across Elizabeth, Union City, and Staten Island. Content is updated periodically to reflect current clinical guidance.
