Your smile is one of your first impressions on people. You use your mouth literally to speak an introduction for yourself, but also to show the feeling and honesty behind your words. When you have a gap in your smile, it can send a different message, not to mention how much more complicated eating will become.
A missing tooth can be an embarrassing, painful situation that can lead to more oral health problems down the line. Whether you lost a tooth due to injury, gum disease, or something else, there are solutions. Consider the following options when you need a tooth replaced.
1. Do Nothing At All
Your first option is to choose to do nothing. If you have a missing tooth, your bone in the area melts away, and your other teeth shift to make up for the missing spot. This shift can make brushing difficult and lead to further bone decay. We definitely do not support this decision.
2. Denture and Partials
An option for bringing your full smile back to life is through a denture or a partial. These durable solutions can help restore your smile and bring better oral health back to your mouth. A full denture set provides you with a new set of teeth fixed to a base made to resemble your natural gums. Adhesive or dental implants help hold your dentures in place.
When you only are missing a few teeth, we recommend a partial denture to complete your smile. A partial has only the teeth you are missing to fill in any holes in your smile.
3. Dental Bridge
If you are only missing one tooth or have teeth on either side of the missing tooth, a dental bridge could be right for you. Your dentist will cement a dental bridge into your mouth so it is a permanent solution. During the procedure, your dentist will trim down the teeth on either side of the gap so they can be connected. Bridges are best in the upper row as these teeth flex less causing less bend and possible damage to a lower jaw dental bridge.
4. Dental Implants
Another option is a dental implant. Dental implants closely resemble your natural teeth. With a dental implant, you will be able to brush, chew, and best of all smile. The dental implant replaces the root of your tooth. After being implanted, your bone will need to heal over the course of several months. Then a crown goes on top of the implant. There is no impact on your other teeth.
5. Full Mouth Reconstruction
The mega option is to have your dentist reclaim your smile through a full-mouth reconstruction. With this approach, you get a serious assessment of your overall oral health then your dentist provides a treatment plan for your unique needs. General dentistry, preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry, and even cosmetic dentistry may all be necessary for your smile to get back to where it needs to be.
Find Your Tooth Replacement Solution at Signature Smiles Dental
Whether from tooth decay, damage over time, or trauma, missing teeth hurt your smile, your ability to chew, and your overall oral health. Getting help from a professional dentist will help you reclaim your smile and improve the outlook for the rest of your teeth. The dentists at Signature Smiles Dental will help you go through your options to find what is the right fit for you