If you recently lost a tooth because of an injury or infection, it can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. Even if the tooth isn’t necessarily visible, you may be finding it difficult to eat as easily as you used to. Plus, the missing tooth can create a sunken-in appearance that affects your facial profile. If you go too long without restoring it, the teeth around it will gradually start drifting out of alignment.
Fortunately, there are many different types of tooth replacement treatments worth considering.
Tooth Replacement Treatments
Dental Crowns
Crowns cover damaged teeth to protect them, but they’re also used on top of individual dental implants. When set over an implant, the entire unit looks and functions like a natural tooth. We’ll recommend a crown if your tooth has a large crack or cavity that can be repaired without extracting it.
Fixed Bridges
A traditional treatment for replacing 1-2 missing teeth is suspending a fixed bridge over the gap that’s left behind. Either end is a functional crown that sets over a supporting tooth on either side of your missing ones. If you have several missing teeth, a longer dental bridge can be attached to a pair of dental implants.
Dentures
For decades, custom dentures have been an efficient and affordable go-to solution for restoring missing teeth. Full dentures replace all of the teeth in one arch (your upper or lower jaw) while partial dentures snap into place around any natural teeth you’re able to retain. Dentures set directly on top of your gum tissue, relying on suction and muscle control to help keep them in place throughout the day.
Which One Is Best for You?
Your solution for replacing a missing tooth will be different than someone else’s. The best way to find out which treatment is ideal is to meet with our dentists to see which ones you qualify for. From there, we can weigh your options and make a decision before planning or starting any treatment. You can feel well prepared, rather than like you’re being rushed into something you don’t want.
Enjoy a healthier, fuller smile that functions as well as it looks. Contact us today to talk about the fastest and best way to replace your missing tooth.
* Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.