| 08/01/13

Not only does losing a tooth typically make someone self-conscious about their appearance, there are significant oral health concerns that should be considered as well.

Larger problems arising from a missing tooth include:

  • Adjacent teeth are prone to shifting
  • Abnormal wear is placed on surrounding teeth, which can cause advanced eruption or cracking
  • A missing tooth makes the gums more susceptible to gum disease

So, what are your options if you end up with a missing tooth?  At Southside Smiles, we offer the following restorative solutions:

Dental Implants

The advancement of dental implants has made them the new standard of tooth replacement. Each dental implant functions independent of other teeth, so that it looks and feels like a natural tooth. Implants can also be used to support multiple missing teeth, or even dentures. The implant root is made of biocompatible titanium, which encourages bone fusion that mirrors the way a natural tooth root is held in place. After the implant has been surgically placed and allowed a period of healing, the replacement crown, bridge or denture is placed on top.

Dental Bridges

When one or two teeth are missing but there are two healthy adjacent teeth, a dental bridge can be placed in the area to create false replacement teeth in the open area. The procedure is similar to having a crown. Each of the adjacent teeth are reshaped and prepared for an impression, which is then used to create a high quality porcelain bridge. Once the bridge had been prepared, it is tried on the teeth and then permanently bonded into place.

Partial or Full Dentures

Removable dentures can be used to replace all or several missing teeth at once. Made of acrylic or metal, the dentures have tooth colored replacement teeth that snap in next to any existing teeth, so that you can talk, eat, and smile the way you used to.

Choosing your method of tooth replacement may be a difficult decision.  For some patients, one method may be better than another.  We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns, priorities, and what treatment options are available to help you have the smile you deserve.

Learn more about Herrick Dental’s restorative dentistry services here!

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