Replacing your missing tooth protects your dental health while restoring the appearance of your smile. Replacing a lost tooth with an oral prosthetic often starts with a consultation with a dentist. The dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth and gums before recommending missing teeth replacement options that are best suited for them.
Consulting with a dentist about replacing a missing tooth is not much different than a routine dental visit. The dentist performs a visual assessment of the patient’s teeth, and diagnostics like X-rays may be taken to view underneath the gums.
The dentist will assess the patient’s dental and medical records, searching for issues that might make them ineligible for certain teeth replacement options. For example, people with diabetes are not always cleared for implants because that condition increases the risk of complications.
After the interview and examination phase, the dentist will recommend teeth replacement options. Popular ones include the following.
Implants are among the most common ways to replace teeth. They are also the most comprehensive solutions for missing teeth because they replace teeth roots and crowns. The crown is the visible portion of a tooth, and its root is the part below the gum that is attached to the jawbone. The root helps keep the jawbone healthy by transferring bite forces into it.
Bone tissues in the jaw break down when they stop getting stimulated. Failing to replace a missing tooth with an implant leaves a person vulnerable to this bone tissue breakdown.
Placing implants in a person’s jaw requires minor oral surgery. They are given up to six months to bond with surrounding bone tissues. Restorations like crowns, a bridge, or dentures can then be attached to the implants.
Replacing teeth with dentures is an inexpensive, non-invasive procedure, and patients can be fitted with them in as little as two weeks. Dentures have two main components: artificial teeth and a gum-colored framework that they are attached to.
Dentures can be broken up into two groups: partial and complete. Partial dentures are for people who have only lost a few teeth, while full denture sets are for those who have lost most of their teeth. Dentures are typically held in place via suction, and they can be combined with implants to create a more stable solution.
Dental bridges are artificial teeth that are attached to the two teeth closest to the space left by the missing teeth. Those two teeth also have to be fitted for crowns by removing enamel from their sides. Bridges provide a more stable solution than dentures, but they also do not address the bone tissue loss that occurs due to missing teeth.
Are you tired of the gap in your smile? Give us a call or stop by our Scarsdale clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.thescarsdaledentist.com or call The Scarsdale Dentist at (914) 491-5802 for an appointment in our Scarsdale office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Scarsdale, NY.
A restorative dentist might recommend a dental bridge if you are missing multiple teeth right next to each other. Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. Bridges are permanently fixed artificial teeth that are usually secured to the two teeth closest to the gap. These oral devices help restore the function of…
Implant restorations are a highly effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering patients a durable, natural-looking option that restores functionality and aesthetics. They involve a process that combines the surgical placement of a dental implant with the creation and attachment of a prosthetic crown or other dental appliance. Take a look at this step-by-step guide…
Maintaining good oral health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Regular visits to a general dentist are crucial in preventing and treating different dental issues. General dentists provide a wide range of services, such as preventive care, restorative treatments, and oral health education. However, if you are new to an area or are changing dentists,…
Regular visits to a general dentist are vital in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. General dentists are often primary care providers for dental health. They are specially trained to provide a wide range of services daily to prevent, diagnose, and treat oral health issues. This ensures their patients have healthy, functional, and beautiful smiles. The…