Missing teeth can affect the way your smile looks, and even interfere with the health of the other teeth in the mouth. Just one missing tooth can cause bone loss or teeth to shift out of place as they drift into the open area. By replacing the missing teeth in a timely manner, patients can preserve their chewing and speech functions, as well as protect other teeth in the mouth.

What types of tooth replacement options are available?

• Dental implants: Implants look, feel, and function like a real tooth. The titanium implant root can support an individual dental crown, multi tooth bridge, or even complete dentures. Expanding choices in dental implants also include mini implants and same-day dental implants.
• Bridges: One or two teeth can be replaced with a bridge, if a healthy tooth on either side of the space is available. A bridge is 3 or 4 crowns fused together, with the center crowns being pontic crowns that are suspended by the functional crowns on either end.
• Partial or Full Dentures: These removable prosthesis are used to replace several teeth at a time. Full dentures replace all teeth at once, while partial dentures replace multiple teeth as they snap around existing healthy teeth. Dentures are removed for cleaning as well as during sleep.

Talk to your dentist about what options you’re a candidate for. Often, there is not only one way to replace a missing tooth. The health of your existing teeth, bone levels, budget, and personal preferences will all play a key part in deciding the type of treatment that you choose.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Mac Worley, Mountain View Oral Surgery and Dental Implants

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