In a recent blog, we discussed how dental crowns can be used to repair damaged pearly whites. This can eliminate the need for an entire adult tooth to be removed. But what do you do if the damage is too severe? If one of your permanent pearly whites has been lost due to an accident or other condition, we can still help. Today, your Sunny Smiles Dentistry in El Paso is here to explain the benefits of bridges or dentures.
If You Are Missing Teeth
Losing your first set of teeth as a child is a rite of passage. However, losing even a single adult tooth can cause complications. Not only can this decrease your confidence, but it can also cause alignment problems and may even lead to further bone loss. To prevent these problems from occurring, you should fill the gaps in your smile as soon as possible. This can be done through a variety of methods depending on your needs.
Choosing Your Best Option
The type of prosthetic you can use will depend on the number of teeth that are missing and the status of your health. For patients missing anywhere from one to three pearly whites in the same row, a bridge is a viable option. This is held in place by crowns secured to your surrounding teeth. You will not need to remove this to clean or eat, and it will blend in naturally with the rest of your dentition.
For patients with several missing teeth throughout their smile, dentures may be a more suitable option. You may already be familiar with this replacement. Traditionally, these are secured in place with dental adhesive. You can use these to chew food, speak with more ease, and remove them at night to clean. Dentures can be partial or complete, depending on the severity of your tooth loss.
A Permanent Solution
Although these are both great options, neither replaces the root of the tooth. Missing this essential structure can lead to your jaw weakening, which can result in more tooth loss. To prevent these problems, dental implants can be used to replace the entire structure. A post will be inserted deep into your bone, which will fuse to it and function as a root. Then an abutment piece is added, and a crown will be connected to this. You can use implants to replace a single tooth or have implant-retained dentures to replace several missing teeth at once. At your next appointment, you can speak with your dentist about your options.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with missing teeth. To schedule an appointment for a tooth replacement, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000.