If you read yesterday’s blog about implants, you may already know that having missing teeth does more than affect your appearance. At Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, we have several ways to repair the gap in your smile. We will always do our best to restore your teeth back to their best health, but sometimes that is not possible. That is when bridges or dentures may be the best option for you.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
Regular preventive care is the best way to keep your mouth in good health. However, there are some things for which we cannot prepare. Some of the most common reasons a person loses a tooth are injury, gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, and genetics.
You can try to combat losing a tooth in an accident by wearing a mouthguard during physical sports and avoiding biting into hard foods. Sometimes though, this is not possible.
If you frequently skip your hygiene routine, you may develop gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage, can be reversed and treated if caught in time. However, if you allow the problem to progress, you may experience bone loss or weakening.
Minor cavities can be repaired, but severe tooth decay may result in the tooth falling out.
As we age, the gums can begin to recede, or teeth can weaken. The good news is that the current elderly generation has more teeth than previous generations. Keeping up with oral health is the best way to maintain your dentition.
How Bridges And Dentures Can Help
When you experience tooth loss, it can be followed with other problems. Leaving the gap in your smile can cause your jaw to weaken, other teeth to begin to shift, and your smile can become misaligned. It is a common dental practice today to offer implants, which are a sturdy way to hold a permanent prosthetic. However, if you do not have a strong enough bone, an implant will not be a viable option.
Bridges are a form of prosthetic restoration. This structure is held in place by the teeth that surround it. If you have one or more missing teeth in a row, a bridge is a secure option. You will not need to take this out to clean or care for. Instead, there are special tools to help you clean around and under the structure.
Dentures are used to replace an arch of teeth or part of the arch. If you do not have implanted dentures, you will take out your dentures daily. It is important to know that even if you have top and bottom dentures, you should still be brushing your teeth and cleaning your mouth.
Schedule A Consultation Today
If you are ready to love your smile again, give us a call at your local Sunny Smiles office in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.