You Have Options When It Comes To Replacing Lost Teeth

Losing a tooth can make you uncomfortable with your smile, and complicate simple tasks like biting and chewing. It can cause you to place extra wear and tear on surrounding teeth, and even put you at risk for further tooth loss. Your dentist can offer a stable, durable replacement for a lost tooth. Many people will elect to receive a dental bridge. Others will opt to receive a dental implant, which holds a prosthetic tooth in place. Each prosthetic option can provide a replacement that is capable of taking on the function of a regular tooth, and can be made to fit in visually with your natural teeth.

Replacing A Lost Tooth With A Dental Bridge

To receive a dental bridge, you will need dental crowns for the surrounding teeth. These crowns provide the support that holds the pontic (the replacement tooth of the bridge) in its proper spot. A bridge can be designed to replace a single tooth, or it can be constructed to replace several adjacent teeth.

Replacing A Lost Tooth With A Dental Implant

A prosthetic supported by a dental implant does not affect neighboring teeth. The implant is surgically placed into your jawbone; after a healing period where your jaw will fuse to the post, a replacement tooth can be fitted onto it. The implant actually takes up the responsibility formerly held by your tooth root, which is to provide stimulation in your jaw that helps keep it healthy.

The Link Between Gum Disease And Tooth Loss

Advanced gum disease is the chief cause of tooth loss for adults. If you start to notice signs that your gums might have an infection, you should seek treatment. Your dentist can provide a Perio Tray, which can help you fight an infection.