Fix Missing Teeth

Be it a sports injury, the result of an accident, or biting into something hard, there are numerous reasons why someone might lose a tooth.  In addition to potentially creating functionality issues, a lost tooth can lead to self-confidence issues for those concerned with the appearance.  Fortunately, there are several methods available to replace a lost tooth.

Removable Partial Denture

To combat the embarrassment of a missing front tooth, a removable partial denture can be worn during the day to replace one or more teeth.  If all teeth are missing, a full denture can be used to replace the teeth.  Partial dentures are economical and do not require any teeth to be filed down prior to placement.  In some cases, the denture may require metal clasps to help hold it in place which, unfortunately, may be visible when smiling or speaking.  An additional disadvantage of removable partial dentures is that they may move slightly when eating or speaking which can create discomfort.  It is recommended that the dentures be removed at night and soaked in a cleaning solution.

Temporary Dentures

A temporary denture, sometimes called a “flipper” due to its ease of flipping it in and out, is an ideal short-term solution for a lost or missing tooth.  They are primarily used while healing for a future restoration procedure such as a dental implant or bridge.  Temporary dentures are similar to partial dentures in their removability but are generally not as bulky, sturdy, or expensive.  The surrounding teeth generally are not altered when using a temporary denture.

 Bridge

A bridge can be used if teeth are present on either side of the missing tooth.  They can easily replace one or two teeth (or more if adequate support is present) and because they are cemented in the mouth, bridges are fixed and do not come out.  The process for placing a bridge begins by cutting down the teeth surrounding the missing tooth in order to connect them together.  In addition to having to cut down otherwise healthy teeth for placement, another disadvantage of bridges placed in the lower jaw is that they are not bendable.  Because the lower jaw flexes but the bridge doesn’t, gaps can develop on either side of the bridge where decay or bacteria can penetrate.

Dental Implant

Dental implants feel and act the most like a person’s natural tooth and are an ideal solution to replace a lost tooth.  The procedure begins by opening the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone.  A metal post is then implanted into the bone to function like tooth roots.  Once the implant fuses with the jawbone, a prosthetic crown is screwed on top of the post to look and function like a real tooth.  One of the primary advantages of a dental implant is that the surrounding teeth do not need any alteration prior to placing the implant.  But because surgery is required, dental implants can be a more involved treatment option that requires recovery time, is generally more expensive, and carries the risk for side effects or complications.

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