5 Ways to Restore a Missing Tooth

It didn't work; the agony became so severe that you had to bite the bullet and visit your dentist in the end. Amidst the swearing and sweating, you realized - Hey! The extraction was not so bad after all.

Your tooth is now out, and you're feeling much better. Phew. Ok. So, now what?

Here's a breakdown of the possibilities for restoring your smile! As a car enthusiast, I'll use the analogy with cars!

1. Dental implants: BMWs

Dental implants are the BMWs of dentistry (as you can see, I'm completely biased). These are titanium screws that you insert into the jawbone to support a prosthetic tooth. Once implanted, they should feel and appear similar to your actual teeth.

Dental implants in Singapore are more expensive than the ordinary dental operation, but if performed correctly by the surgeon and properly maintained, they can last a lifetime, just like your natural teeth.

Pros:

• Looks and feels almost identical to the real McCoy. They are fixed in your jaw, much like your natural teeth.

• You do not need to take them out at night. They are often as easy to clean as genuine teeth.

• No one will know you had poor teeth before!

Cons:

• Not everybody can afford a BMW or a Lexus.

• The implant operation is highly operator dependent and should only be performed by experts.

• Not everyone is a good candidate, especially if they have an immune system disorder or smoke like a chimney.

Dental implants in Singapore cost between $4000 and $7000. Medisave can claim a percentage, but only with government consent.

2. Traditional dental bridges: Toyotas

A bridge is just that. The two adjacent teeth next to your missing tooth are trimmed down to accommodate the missing tooth, bridging the gap! For additional information on the process of installing dental bridges, check this YouTube video.

They, like Toyotas, are inexpensive and dependable, making them more "mass market".

Pros:

• They cost less than dental implants.

• It is an excellent option for those who are immunocompromised.

• They can also be designed to seem very similar to your actual teeth.

Cons:

• You must cut down two adjacent teeth to hold one tooth.

• It's more difficult to clean than dental implants.

• The dentist has a more difficult time detecting deterioration under the bridge since the teeth are splinted together.

Dental bridges in Singapore cost between $2000 and $3500.

3. Acid Etch Bridge - Hyundais

This deserves its own space, despite the fact that it is also a bridge. This approach appeals to me because it is similar to a normal bridge, with the exception that the adjacent teeth are only minimally treated to hold the missing tooth.

Pros:

• Very comparable to traditional bridges, but causes less harm to adjacent teeth!

• Even cheaper than the traditional bridge option.

Cons:

• The disadvantages are identical to those of a conventional bridge.

• Not everyone is an ideal candidate.

• If you have a strong bite, this option is not for you.

• They tend to fall off and must be glued back by your dentist every few years.

Acid etch bridges in Singapore cost between $1000 and $2000.

4. Single tooth partial denture - Bicycles

These are the bicycles of contemporary dentistry. This is far less popular for restoring a single lost tooth. You can see why in the picture below. Enough said. Partial dentures are typically only temporary solutions and are prone to breakage.

Pros:

• Extremely inexpensive!

• A good temporary solution till you save enough money for your dental implant or bridge.

• Caregivers may remove the dentures for cleaning, making it a good alternative for seriously ill patients.

Cons:

• The tooth is usually not natural-looking because it is constructed of plastic.

• You must remove it at night to clean and air (hint: your kids and hubby will know your teeth are not real!!).

• It must be replaced every few years since the bone shrinks and new dentures are required.

Dentures in Singapore cost between $500 and $1200.

5. Orthodontics - Grab

Orthodontics is not a car, but rather a mechanism for getting from Point A to Point B in certain missing tooth scenarios.

For example, if you lose a tooth and have crowded teeth, braces could be the solution! With braces, you may correct gaps while also straightening your teeth!

Pros:

• As already stated, two goals in one!

• There is no need to chop down adjacent teeth for a bridge.

• There is no need to undergo surgery for dental implants.

Cons:

• You must have overcrowded teeth to even consider this option.

• Your orthodontist will need to decide whether your teeth can be relocated in such a way that they look nice.

Braces cost in Singapore varies from $4000 and $10000, depending on the type of therapy. See our comprehensive guide to braces in Singapore.

Some of you may wish to avoid going to the dentist after losing a tooth because you are still afraid of them. It is crucial to remember, however, that most teeth continue to shift in your mouth far into adulthood!

You DO want to restore that area so your bite does not get messed up in the long run!

So, take your pick from the bicycles to the more expensive vehicles in Dentistry and discuss it with your friendly dentist (is this an oxymoron?) before making a selection! I hope this helps!:)