Replacing Missing Teeth

Your oral health affects your entire body. When your teeth are healthy and in good condition, you are healthier overall. Missing teeth not only lead to bone resorption, but also affect your bite, speech, and ability to eat and chew normally. You may also experience headaches and jaw pain. Fortunately, there are many replacements for your missing teeth available. Our oral surgeons and your general dentist will be able to help you determine the treatment option that will be most beneficial for you.

There are a wide range of restorative options to replace your missing teeth, including:

  • Fixed dental bridges – dental bridges are non-removable, and consist of a replacement tooth (or teeth) held in place by crowns on the teeth on either side of the empty space.
  • Flipper – this is a fragile, temporary, and inexpensive solution. Flippers consist of a removable plastic tooth with a plastic retainer.
  • Metal partial – a removable partial denture encased in metal and plastic, and held in place by wire clips.
  • Denture – replacement teeth. Dentures may replace some or all of the teeth in a dental arch. They are a removable appliance and are customized to fit your mouth and smile.
  • Dental implants – dental implants are the most comfortable and long-lasting solution – in fact, they are intended to be permanent. They form a strong foundation for teeth, and work to keep the jaw healthy. Implants support both individual replacement teeth as well as dentures. When properly cared for, they can last a lifetime.

When it comes to replacing your teeth, we strongly recommend that you choose dental implants. Dental implants are permanent, and do not require you to sacrifice any healthy tooth structure in order to support the restoration. Implants improve your oral health and your quality of life.

If you have questions about replacing your missing teeth, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. David McAninch and Dr. Robert Kiken, our skilled oral surgeons in Santa Barbara, California, please call Ocean Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery today.