Suffering from a missing tooth? As uncommon as it may sound, a lot of people actually experience tooth loss at one point or another, whether it be a result of decay, accident or injury. Thankfully, there are a good amount of replacement options that dentists can present to patients. For the longest time, dentures were the only option; however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of dental technology, thus providing patients with very different options to choose from. Keep reading to find out more!
Outlined below are a few replacement options that patients with a missing tooth can consider.
One of the most common ways to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant. Over the last few years, dental implants have really grown in popularity, especially when replacing a single missing tooth. They are reliable, natural-looking and are very helpful as it relates to restoring oral health.
Unlike other missing tooth replacement options, dental implants restore the actual bone that lies beneath the space where the tooth once was. The implant itself acts as the tooth's roots, which undergoes osseointegration, thus fusing with the bone, while also attaching to an abutment and artificial tooth. In the scenario of a single missing tooth, the artificial tooth will likely be a dental crown made of porcelain materials.
Another replacement option for a missing tooth is a dental bridge. Dental bridges are less invasive than dental implant placement; however, they do successfully replace a missing tooth by bridging the empty gap that is left between the two existing teeth. Dental bridges also work directly with dental crowns, which appear both natural and white in color. Unlike dental implants, bridges do not require as much of a time commitment or healing process.
A partial denture is another replacement option that patients can consider after tooth loss. However, they are typically recommended when there is more than one missing tooth grouped together. Partial dentures are less bulky than traditional ones; however, they do require a period of adjustment, especially if they are removable instead of fixed.
On the other hand, some partial dentures can be fixed in place by connecting them to a dental implant. This makes the partial denture much more secure and stable within the oral cavity, thus ensuring efficient eating, smiling and speaking. A partial denture combined with dental implants is a great hybrid option that can successfully replace missing teeth.
When looking for more information on replacing a missing tooth, it is best to consult directly with a general dentist. The dentist can perform an evaluation to identify the best place to start. Additionally, patients can ask questions about the different replacement options, which can be helpful when navigating through the decision-making process. Reach out today to learn more or to get yourself scheduled for a consultation appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.kevinjdailydds.com or call Kevin J Daily DDS at (831) 580-1141 for an appointment in our Santa Cruz office.
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