Tooth Replacement Options in Las Cruces and Roswell, NM

If you lose permanent teeth or have them removed, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible. Leaving tooth sockets empty for an extended length of time can be extremely disadvantageous for your oral health. Missing teeth can cause problems with eating, smiling, and speaking. At Oral & Facial Surgery of New Mexico in Las Cruces, and Roswell, we offer a wide variety of tooth replacement options.

Every patient has different needs and preference, which means that each patient’s tooth restoration treatment will differ slightly from the rest. The best option for your tooth replacement will depend on several factors, including the number of teeth you need to restore, where the teeth are located in your jaw and relation to each other, the condition of your jaw bone, and more. We encourage you to consider all your replacement options before choosing which treatment you want. You can find information about the most common tooth restorations below.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are the most beneficial option for permanently replacing teeth because they are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth for a lifetime.

Features:

• Restore the appearance of your smile
• Natural function
• Easy to care for (and have the potential to last a lifetime if properly cared for)
• Prevent jaw bone deterioration by keeping the jaw stimulated
• No discomfort associated with treating them like natural teeth
• Can replace one tooth or several teeth

The design of dental implants includes three vital pieces: the implant post, the connecting abutment, and the prosthesis (this may be a crown or bridge depending on how many teeth you need to replace). Each part plays a vital role in the restoration of your teeth. The implant post takes the place of your missing tooth root; it integrates with your jaw bone, prevents it from deteriorating, and acts as the based for the remaining two pieces. The abutment connects to the implant post and attaches it to the prosthetic crown (or bridge), which is custom designed to look just like your natural teeth.

If you are healthy enough to undergo a minor dental procedure, you are likely healthy enough to receive dental implants. Once the implant process is complete, many patients report they can’t even tell their implant apart from their natural teeth.

Full-Arch Restoration

Full-arch restoration is the most efficient and cost-effective way for replacing a full arch or mouth of teeth using dental implants and a permanent denture.

Features:

• Permanent replacement option for a full arch or full mouth of teeth
• Uses dental implants as a base, providing stability and preventing jaw bone loss
• Custom designed arch of teeth looks just like natural teeth and allows patients to eat whatever they want
• Require no special care besides regular flossing and brushing
• No chance of slipping or causing sores in the mouth

Patients who are missing a majority of their teeth should consider a full-arch restoration. It is a much more permanent replacement option compared to traditional dentures, and it provides patients with a number of benefits. If you are healthy enough to receive dental implants, full-arch restoration can completely restore your smile and oral function. There is no risk of your new teeth falling out while eating and speaking, and they can last a lifetime if you care for them correctly.

Our oral surgeons will work hand in hand with your restorative dentist to restore your smile with a custom set of teeth and help you regain confidence in your beautiful smile.

Bridges

Tooth-supported bridges can restore the space left by missing teeth with a bridge of teeth designed to look like natural teeth.

Features:

• Need support from adjacent healthy teeth
• Can last up to 15 years before requiring replacement
• Restore appearance of a missing tooth
• Help patients chew better

Much like the name suggests, a bridge is designed to restore the space caused by a missing tooth or missing teeth by bridging the gap. The bridge is comprised of several prosthetic teeth, with the outermost teeth attaching to your healthy teeth and the middle teeth resting on your gums and restoring the empty space in your mouth. For a bridge to fit and receive the support it needs, your dentist may need to reshape or grind down your healthy teeth. Bridges are a great option for patients who want a semi-permanent option that does not require surgery.

Removable Dentures

Traditional dentures restore a full arch or mouth of teeth with a removable and natural-looking replacement. Oral surgeons can perform pre-prosthetic surgery to create a better and more comfortable fit.

Features:

• Removable option
• Restore smile with natural-looking replacements
• Allows for slightly improved chewing
• Can last up to seven years before needing replacement

If you prefer a removable tooth replacement option or you are unable to undergo surgery to receive dental implants, removable dentures are still a great option for restoring your teeth. Denture quality has substantially improved over the last few years, and pre-prosthetic surgery can help you receive the best possible fit. It’s important to know that dentures do not protect your mouth from bone loss, and as time goes on and your bone begins to atrophy, you may need to get a new denture or have your current denture refitted.

Tooth Restoration Options in Las Cruces, NM, and Roswell, NM

If you are healthy enough to undergo a minor dental procedure, our oral surgeons recommend you consider dental implants for tooth replacement. We offer a wide range of tooth replacement options, and we would happy to go over each one with you to determine which best fits your needs. We believe every patient deserves to have a smile they are proud of, and we are confident one of the above replacement options will help you do so. Please contact one of our offices in Las Cruces, or Roswell, NM, to set up an appointment to discuss your tooth restoration options.