Have you lost one or more teeth? Don’t panic! Instead, give our team a call. We can help you replace your lost tooth with a lifelike prosthetic. We offer various methods of tooth replacement, which one is right for you? Will you need an implant or a bridge to return your smile to full function and appearance?
The Importance of Restoring Lost Teeth
Losing your permanent teeth is a serious issue and one that requires immediate attention. Otherwise, misalignment could develop as the teeth drift due to the gap in your smile. The risk of further tooth loss increases as the jaw bone tissue dissolves (the body suspends the flow of nutrients following tooth loss). Finally, your health can suffer as you often need to change how you eat due to advanced tooth loss, which also makes communicating clearly difficult.
Dental Bridges
We typically recommend this option for minor tooth loss. A bridge replaces between one and three teeth in a row. The prosthetic contains crowns on either side of the replacement teeth. We place the crowns on the natural teeth sitting on each side of the gap in your smile. The crowns anchor the new teeth firmly in place. The prosthetic lasts between 10 and 15 years before requiring replacement or adjustment.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can be used to replace a single lost tooth or support a prosthetic, such as a partial, full denture, or even a dental bridge. Instead of using crowns for support, they are inserted into the jawbone, where they bond with the bone tissue and act like a natural tooth. This process also stimulates jawbone growth, preventing the loss of jawbone tissue that can cause the jaw to change shape and prosthetics to need periodic adjustment.
