Many people will lose at least one tooth at some point in their lives, which can lead to oral health issues. Fortunately, a restorative dentist can replace missing teeth in several ways. These options can help patients restore the function and appearance of their smiles.
Bone tissues need to be regularly stimulated to remain healthy, as is the case with muscle tissues. The bone structures around the socket that once held a tooth begin to break down when the tooth falls out. This jawbone deterioration can lead to changes to a person’s facial structures. Also, not replacing a missing tooth can lead to the remaining natural teeth moving out of their proper alignment as the body tries to close up the empty space.
Let us take a close look at teeth replacement options that a restorative dentist might recommend for missing teeth.
Implants are popular oral prosthetics used in dentistry. They are typically titanium rods that serve as artificial roots for missing teeth. Crowns or other missing teeth solutions, like bridges and dentures, can then be attached to them.
The implant is surgically placed in the patient’s jawbone, where it fuses with the tissues around it, becoming one with the patient’s jaw. This process, known as osseointegration, can take up to six months to complete. The implant transfers bite forces to the patient’s jaw whenever they bite on something, giving their jaw the stimulation it needs to remain healthy.
Patients should be healthy enough for oral surgery to qualify for implants. People with health issues that can hinder their ability to heal from surgery, like diabetes, are evaluated individually.
Just like their name implies, these restorations bridge the spaces between teeth. A bridge comprises two main parts: crowns to secure the restoration to the teeth closest to the space on both ends (called abutments) and artificial teeth called pontics.
The teeth that will be fitted with crowns are prepared for restoration by removing enamel from their sides. This leads to a better fit with the crown, but this part of the treatment is irreversible. These teeth will always need restorations to protect them moving forward. The process of replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge can be completed in as little as two weeks.
These are among the most affordable solutions for missing teeth. They can be used to replace a few teeth or an entire dental arch’s worth. These prosthetics rest on the gums and are held in place via suction. There is no need to make any alterations to a patient’s teeth when they are being fitted for dentures.
Are you dealing with one or more missing teeth? The Sun Valley Dental Care team is here to help. Give us a call or visit our El Cajon clinic to learn more about our restorative dental services or to schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://sunvalleydentalcare.com or call Sun Valley Dental Care at (619) 413-1121 for an appointment in our El Cajon office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Restorative Dentist in El Cajon, CA.
Restorative dentistry has a handful of ways to go about restoring a broken tooth. It typically comes down to how severely damaged the patient’s tooth is. Restorative dentistry focuses mainly on restoring the function of teeth that have been damaged. Doing so typically improves the way the tooth looks as well.Here are some of the…
You might be interested in a consultation with a restorative dentist if you have a damaged or missing tooth. The dentist can restore and preserve your teeth, no matter how damaged they are, using contemporary procedures, including dental implants, veneers, and crowns. However, going to a dentist for a consultation might be frightening, so it…
Dental restorations are a great way to improve oral health and the way the smile appears. One of the most common dental restoration options is dental veneer placement. According to WebMD, dental veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, misaligned and even severely gapped, all of which classify as…
A dental restoration is administered by dentists to help patients repair teeth that have become damaged from injuries or cavities. There are a lot of different dental restoration options, each benefiting patients in different ways. Knowing which procedure is best requires careful consideration and the assistance of a dentist. Ready to learn more?The following information…
When deciding between two popular tooth replacement options, such as dental bridges or dental implants, consulting a dentist is key. Bridges have long been a trusted solution, while implants are modern and innovative. However, when recommending an option, a dentist will consider factors like oral health, personal preferences, and lifestyle needs.Dental bridges are the traditional…
A root canal cleans out infection from the interior of a tooth, but dentists will attempt other options, such as dental fillings, when possible. Therefore, it can be hard for patients to know when they may need a root canal or whether a problem can be solved in another way. The signs that you may…