Losing a tooth can be disconcerting. Thankfully, there are multiple dental restoration options to replace the missing tooth and restore dental functions. Read on to learn about available options. The choice ultimately boils down to the patient's oral condition and preferences. A dentist will recommend the proper treatment following a dental evaluation.
The following are common options for replacing lost teeth:
Losing a front tooth can be embarrassing, considering it is visible when smiling. A removable partial denture may replace one or more missing teeth and is worn throughout the day. Metal clasps may be required to keep a partial denture in place. Unfortunately, these metal clasps may be seen while speaking or smiling.
Another drawback of a removable partial denture is that it may slide about when talking or eating. The dentist will recommend taking them out at night and soaking them in a cleaning solution. There is no need to file down any of the natural teeth with a partial denture, and it is a cost-effective choice for many patients. The dentist will recommend full dentures if the entire arch of teeth is missing.
When teeth are on each side of the missing tooth, the dentist might recommend a dental bridge. A bridge is a permanent dental restoration that is cemented into the mouth and cannot be removed. This technique requires cutting down the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth to support the bridge. Patients will need to get floss threaders that slip beneath the bridge to keep the area clean.
Bridges have the drawback of modifying otherwise healthy teeth, and bridges in the lower jaw may often not survive as long due to jaw flexing. The unbending bridge might create a leak that encourages the entry of bacteria and eventual decay. If the teeth next to the gap are damaged and require a crown, this option will be excellent for restoring the lost tooth and simultaneously repairing the neighboring tooth. A bridge may readily replace one or two lost teeth, and more if adequate support is available in some instances.
A dental implant is an excellent option for replacing a lost tooth. Compared to other dental restoration options, this solution feels and functions the most like a natural tooth. The implant replaces the lost tooth's root and takes many months to integrate properly with the bone. After that, the dentist will connect an abutment onto which a crown will be attached.
When placing an implant, there is no need to modify any other teeth. A single implant can replace a single missing tooth, while several implants can replace multiple missing teeth. It is difficult to differentiate between an implant and a natural tooth when smiling or talking.
The bone that supports a tooth may dissolve after tooth loss or extraction, and the surrounding teeth shift to fill in the space. This may make cleaning difficult and lead to additional bone loss or decay surrounding the existing teeth. It is advisable to contact a dentist to discuss dental restoration options if you have missing teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://mgdental.com or call MG Dental at (718) 416-6444 for an appointment in our Brooklyn office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Brooklyn, NY.
There are a few great dental restoration options for someone needing to repair teeth that are in bad shape. One of the most popular ones is dental fillings, which can be used to restore and renew teeth that are damaged or decayed. Dentists typically recommend fillings for a patient that requires a minor dental restoration…
The term, “dental restoration,” encompasses a variety of procedures from which anyone, not just individuals with missing or broken teeth, can benefit. Restorative dentistry may entail filling a tooth, placing a crown, installing a bridge, or replacing missing teeth. Due to the broad definition of the term, many people wonder when a dental restoration is…
If you have an early-stage cavity or even more serious damage to your tooth, dental restoration options can help you keep your teeth strong and healthy by reinforcing the protective layer of your tooth enamel, helping it rebuild its structural strength over time. While many dental restoration options can be used in conjunction with one another,…
A dental restoration can restore, renew and even replace teeth that are in bad shape. They are often used to repair teeth that have been lost, decayed or even slightly damaged from a chip or a crown. However, with all dental restorations, comes the possibility that it may not work, which is why it is…
Tooth-colored fillings, also called composite fillings, are dental restorations used to fill in holes in…
Invisalign® is a great treatment option for people looking to correct minor imperfections.
Extractions are typically recommended when other options are not enough to solve a patient’s problems.
When you need dental bridges, your dentist will work with an oral surgeon to find…
Even though dental bonding will not last forever, it can be a good restoration choice.…
Our general dentist recommends brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride to give your teeth…
