Options for Seniors Needing Tooth Replacement

Options for Seniors Needing Tooth Replacement

Did You Know That by Age 50 Americans Have Lost an Average of 12 Teeth?

Among adults from 35 to 44-years-old, 69 percent have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 50, Americans have lost an average of 12 teeth (including wisdom teeth). And among adults 65 to 74, 26 percent have lost all their teeth. If you are suffering from failing or missing teeth, you may be wondering what your options are, or simply, what is the BEST option. In this blog post, we will briefly discuss the options for replacement, and even take a look at some of the pros and cons.

Options for Single-tooth Replacement

  1. If you're missing one tooth, your dentist may plan a bridge for you. However, this treatment involves grinding down the surrounding teeth. And if those are healthy, you've ground down two teeth just to give you a replacement for one!

  2. Another dentist may suggest an implant replacement, and this is definitely the standard of care! While the surgery may be more invasive (placing a "screw") into the bone, it is more permanent than a bridge and does not affect the surrounding teeth.

  3. Removable partial is an option to replace one or more teeth. It is a removable retainer than either sits on your lower jaw, or on the roof of your mouth. It is an affordable option, however it is not recommended to eat with, as the acrylic can easily break.