3 Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can lead to lost confidence and more oral health issues down the line. If you’ve lost teeth due to age, injury, genetics, or poor oral hygiene, we’re here to help. We offer a variety of restorative options to help you replace your missing teeth. Here are three of the tooth replacement options that we have here at Robinson Dental.
1. Dental Bridges
Like the name suggests, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap in your smile left by a missing tooth. It consists of a false tooth anchored in place on both sides by dental crowns, which are placed over your existing teeth to provide a strong foundation for the restoration.
Your dentist may recommend a dental bridge if you don’t want to wait months for a dental implant to fuse to your jawbone. In fact, a dental bridge can be made in two appointments—or just one if we use same-day crowns.
2. Dentures
Whether you’ve lost one or more teeth, you may want to ask about getting full or partial dentures. are removable false teeth that help you eat and speak normally after major tooth loss.
Although dentures slip occasionally when you sneeze or cough, this can be easily corrected by biting down gently and swallowing. If you notice your dentures slipping more often, don’t hesitate to call our office to see about getting your dentures refitted.
While wearing dentures, it’s important to continue taking care of your oral health. We recommend brushing your gums to avoid plaque buildup in empty sockets. Otherwise, bleeding gums could make it painful to wear your denture teeth.
You’ll also need to keep your dentures submerged in water or cleanser any time they’re not in your mouth to avoid cracking and warping. With proper care, your dentures will last for years.
3. Dental Implants
A is a prosthetic tooth root, usually made of titanium, used to anchor a dental crown. While dental implant surgery is more invasive than other tooth replacement options, it is also longer lasting.
Many of our patients appreciate dental implants because they look and function like natural teeth. A tooth implant fuses with your jawbone over time so it won’t slip like dentures. Dental implants can last a lifetime if given proper care.
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants stimulate jawbone tissue so it doesn’t deteriorate over time. Jawbone deterioration is a serious issue because it affects your oral health and the shape of your face. Dental implants also help hold adjacent teeth in place so they don’t loosen and eventually fall out.
To be a good candidate for the dental implant procedure, you must have healthy gum and jawbone tissue. However, if you don’t have sufficient jawbone tissue, our dentist may recommend a bone graft.
Want to Learn More?
Our restorative dentists can help you replace missing teeth so you can smile with confidence. To schedule an appointment with Robinson Dental, call any of our offices in Cascade, Coopersville and Wayland. We’d be more than happy to help you explore appropriate treatment options for your smile.
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This blog post has been updated.