Having a missing tooth can ruin the appearance of a person’s smile, especially if the missing tooth is one of their front teeth. It can also affect their ability to speak properly or chew food without pain. Thanks to technological advances, having a missing tooth is not the end of the world because there are plenty of options available to replace the teeth.
Some of the treatment options dentists use to replace a missing tooth include:
Partial dentures are designed to replace one or more missing teeth in the same arch even if they are not adjacent to each other. They are usually considered the best option for people who do not have very healthy gums or bones that are dense enough for dental implants. Partial dentures may also be a good option for those lacking natural teeth that are strong enough to hold a fixed bridge in place.
The dentures consist of a gum-colored acrylic base which can be strengthened with a cobalt chrome metal framework. Some partial dentures also have metal clasps that fit over the patient’s existing teeth, holding them in place but also allowing them to be removed with ease.
Like the partial dentures, tooth-supported fixed bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. The procedure involves filing off the portion of the healthy teeth, adjacent to the gap created by the missing tooth, then placing dental crowns. These crowns are attached to the replacement teeth and hold the artificial tooth in place. Once the crowns have been placed on top of the natural teeth, they are cemented in place.
Tooth-supported fixed bridges are a good option for those who want to quickly replace a missing tooth without having to undergo dental implant surgery, especially if they have medical conditions that can slow down the healing process, which increases the risk of implant failure. Unlike dental implants, which can take months to complete, treatment for dental bridges is completed in a few weeks.
These have become the most popular way to replace one or more missing teeth because they are the closest to having natural teeth. However, the treatment requires surgery, which is something some people try to avoid.
A titanium post is fused to the patient's jaw and the artificial tooth is screwed on top of it, replacing the missing tooth. Unlike dentures and bridges, which are placed on the top of the gums, the titanium posts act as tooth roots and stimulate bone growth, allowing the patient to preserve their facial structure. Of the three treatment options, dental implants are the most expensive, but also the most durable.
A missing tooth does not have to ruin the appearance of your teeth because there are various treatment options available to replace the tooth. If you have a missing tooth and do not like the way your smile looks, schedule an appointment with a dentist to go over your treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A smile makeover can involve one treatment or several, depending on the specific attributes of your smile you wish to address. A makeover can create a domino effect on many aspects of your life, affecting your confidence level, speech, and the frequency with which you smile. Take a closer look at the various ways our…
Teeth straightening is not just for kids or teens. More adults are choosing to fix crooked teeth, close gaps, or improve their bite for a healthier and more confident smile. A general dentist who offers orthodontic services can help adults explore the many options available. With the right treatment, it is possible to achieve beautiful…
Orthodontics is concerned with realigning the teeth and jaw, such as with braces or aligners. A general dentist can discuss several orthodontic treatments, helping patients explore their options. Learning about what each orthodontic option involves can help patients or their caregivers choose the one best suited to smile goals and lifestyle preferences.Orthodontic care includes a…
It is possible to enhance the overall appearance of a patient’s smile through a unique combination of cosmetic dental procedures. This is known as a smile makeover. Dental providers make these treatment plans custom to each patient. Here is what to expect at every step of a smile makeover, from design to execution.A smile makeover…