How to Replace Missing Teeth
Let’s face it, it can be quite a traumatic experience to lose your teeth. It doesn’t matter how it happens – accident, decay, gum disease or something else – all that matters is how to get the tooth back into its socket. In most situations, it’s not possible to put your own natural tooth back into the mouth. When this is the case there is no need to panic. In fact, there is absolutely no reason to eve worry a slight bit – not with the dental technology and techniques that are available today. What exactly are your options then? Here are just a few:
Bridges
This is one of the oldest and most traditional ways of replacing a missing tooth. A dental bridge does literally what its name implies – it bridges the gap that the missing tooth has left. The adjacent teeth support the tooth and can sometimes cause damage to them. This is one of the major disadvantages of dental bridges. It seems that dentists are slowly veering away from this method because there are now better alternatives. Another disadvantage is that it can cause strain on the bone, which in turn can affect the patients smile. Bridges do the job though, and if you go for this option just be sure to keep your gum and teeth in a good condition.
Dentures
Removable partial dentures are worn during the day and removed at night. They fill the gap, but sometimes need metal clasps to stay in place – these clasps can be visible when speaking or smiling. Unfortunately, these dentures do move a little when speaking and eating. A positive is that no filing of any of the surrounding teeth, and this method hurts the pocket a little less than the others. Another type of denture is a temporary denture. This one is less bulky and is even more economical.
Dental Implants
An implant looks and feels like a natural tooth, therefore making it easier when eating, smiling or speaking. This is a through procedure to replace the missing tooth by replacing the root and healing in the jaw bone for a few months. Once that is complete then a crown will be cemented in the mouth. This makes the implant tooth very sturdy and long-lasting. Another huge advantage with dental implants is that it doesn’t affect any of the surrounding teeth. This option may be more expensive but it does last longer. The big question mark associated with dental implants is the metal that is used. When metal is inserted into the mouth it does increase the amount of toxins that our bodies must combat.
The ones mentioned in this article are just a few of the options that you have to replace missing teeth. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages, but all in all they have the same result. No matter which one you opt for will be better than having a gap in your smile. Not to mention that having a missing tooth can cause serious damage to the surrounding teeth and bone – it can even cause decay and bone loss. Therefore, explore your options and have your missing tooth replaced as soon as possible.