What Should You Do About That Missing Tooth?
Losing a tooth, whether planned or accidentally, does not have to ruin your smile. We have a variety of tooth replacement options to restore strength, function, and aesthetics. Keep reading to learn more about the tooth replacement options available to you.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth
Whether your tooth was extracted by a dentist, knocked out by trauma, or came out for another reason, the best course of action is to replace it as soon as possible. We always encourage you to keep your smile intact to preserve your long-term oral health. One missing tooth, if not replaced, can start a sort of chain reaction in your mouth:
- The teeth on either side of the gap will start to migrate to fill in the space, creating gaps or crowding. Adjacent teeth will tilt out of position and become less stable.
- Because of the misalignment and tilted positioning, you will have a more difficult time keeping up with your oral hygiene and it will become increasingly uncomfortable to chew food.
- The jawbone underneath the area with the missing tooth will not receive adequate stimulation and begin to deteriorate, making it harder for your remaining teeth to stay firmly in place.
- Eventually, you will notice that one or more of your remaining teeth have become loose and the gums in that area have become red and swollen.
- You may then need to have those teeth extracted by your dentist.
Avoid Further Problems
The good news is that replacing a missing tooth immediately prevents the vicious cycle from even starting and significantly improves your long-term oral health prospects. Depending on your needs and goals, you have several tooth replacement options to choose from, including:
A Dental Bridge – this aesthetic restoration option works by anchoring one or more prosthetic teeth to the healthy teeth on either side. The prosthetic is made of high-quality, durable, material that looks and feels just like natural tooth enamel. A bridge will last for 10-15 years on average, possibly longer with excellent care.
A Dental Implant – the gold standard for tooth replacement, a dental implant is the only permanent solution for a missing tooth. The implant consists of a titanium post set into the jawbone and topped with a natural-looking crown (or other prosthetic, depending on the case). The post works just like a tooth root and provides the jawbone with adequate stimulation to prevent bone loss.
A Partial Denture – a practical solution for many patients with severe tooth loss, a partial denture can be removable or supported by dental implants, depending on your needs and what your dentist believes will work best with your lifestyle. When in place, the denture will look perfectly natural and restore your ability to eat and smile with confidence.
We Want to Help
Living with a missing tooth may diminish your confidence in your smile. No one wants that. Even more concerning is that a missing tooth can have profound negative effects on your oral health. Please talk to us about your tooth replacement options. Working together, we can find a solution that will make you excited to smile again and restore your oral health. Call our office in Meeker, CO to request a consultation with your dentist today.
