4 Options For People Who Are Missing Teeth

Posted on: 20 February 2019

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Tooth loss can happen for many reasons. You may lose teeth as the result of trauma or decay, or you may have to have teeth extracted for any number of reasons. Tooth loss can be very upsetting, since you need your teeth to smile, chew, and protect your gums. If you're missing one or more teeth, there are several options available to you. Here are four treatments than can help:

1. Dental bridges

Dental bridges area a good solution if you're missing one or two teeth. in order to make a dental bridge work, your dentist will attach false teeth to your remaining, healthy teeth. They will accomplish this using tooth-colored crowns. In order to put a crown over your teeth, your dentist will have to remove some of the tooth enamel to make them smaller, so the crown will fit. This means that dental bridges are a permanent solution, since you will have to leave the crowns in place to preserve tooth function.

2. Veneers

If you're only missing part of your tooth, veneers can help. A veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain that's glued to the front of your tooth. It can be used in cases where your tooth is broken, but you don't want to get the tooth extracted for whatever reason. In order to attach a veneer, your dentist will first score the front of your tooth to make it easier for the veneer to adhere.

3. Dental implants

Dental implants are a great option for people who want a permanent solution to their tooth loss. When you get a dental implant, your oral surgeon will surgically implant a metal rod through your gums into your jawbone. After your body heals, your bone will fuse to the implant to provide a sturdy base; a tooth prosthetic can then be screwed onto the dental implant. If you're missing all your teeth, dental implants are a great option for you. In this case, your dentist will attach three dental implants to your jaw bone on the top and bottom of your mouth. Full bridges will then be attached to those implants, according to the American Academy of Periodontology.

4. Dentures

If you want a noninvasive option that doesn't involve modifying your remaining teeth, dentures are an option for you. In order to make dentures, your dentist will first take a mold of your mouth and remaining teeth. Using that information, they'll design dentures that fit perfectly in your mouth.