Replacement Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth

Are you missing a tooth and tired of feeling self-conscious about it? Good news. You do not have one but several ways of replacing it. Regardless of the reason the tooth is gone, whether it fell out or a dentist extracted it, there is no reason to feel embarrassed. Talk to your dentist about all your options. To start you off, here are five replacement possibilities.

Why is replacing a missing tooth important?

Beyond someone feeling better about themselves by having a missing tooth replaced are other reasons. As an example, with a tooth missing, the surrounding teeth have no support. That means they can begin to shift over time. Depending on the severity, an individual could end up with crooked teeth that now require more extensive work. There is also a risk of damaging tissue if someone accidentally bites down on something hard without a tooth in place to help with chewing.

Replacement options

As distraught as someone may feel when having a missing tooth, there are viable solutions. The key is to seek help from a dental professional. The dentist will perform an oral examination and do testing to determine the right treatment. Fortunately, the options available are virtually painless and they yield great results.

1. Removable partial plate

Also called a removable partial denture, the patient wears this appliance during the day and then removes it at night. What makes this a good option is that it can replace a single missing tooth or several. Depending on the structure of the patient’s mouth, the laboratory that makes the removable partial plate may need to add metal clasps to help keep it securely in place. The one downside is that in this case, the metal would show when the individual yawns, laughs or speaks.

2. Temporary denture

Another way to replace a missing tooth is with a temporary denture. In the world of dentistry, professionals commonly refer to this as a “flipper.” The reason is that the denture easily flips in and out. This solution is only temporary. In other words, a dentist can use a flipper to replace a missing tooth, but only until the individual has an implant done or a bridge added at some point down the road.

3. Bridge

For someone with a missing tooth on the side of the mouth, a bridge works quite well. Because the dentist cements this appliance in place, it is a type of fixed solution. For this, the dental professional cuts down the teeth located on either side of the one missing. Using the bridge, which consists of a replacement tooth, the three teeth are then connected. The one thing patients need to pay attention to is that with a bridge, food particles can become trapped so proper cleaning is essential.

4. Implant

Of all replacement options for a missing tooth, a dental implant has become one of the most popular. With a titanium screw inserted into the bone, the dentist secures the replacement tooth on top. Although it can take a few months to achieve complete healing, an implant looks and functions just like a natural tooth. Not only is this a great option for one tooth but also several or an entire mouth of missing teeth.

Do something good for yourself

Just because you have a missing tooth does not mean you have to go through life that way. Remember, there are risks by taking no action. Therefore, it is to your advantage to talk to your dentist about replacement possibilities. After an examination and X-rays, the dental professional will make the right recommendation specifically for your situation.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

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