If you need a tooth replacement solution, you should visit with your dentist as soon as you can. You do not want to live without teeth for long. This presents health challenges and concerns with your smile. Even missing one tooth can be troublesome. But the good news is that there are ways to solve this problem. An effective treatment is available to restore your smile.
Losing a tooth is a serious issue that demands attention. Patients may feel embarrassed to have a gap in their mouth. They may also wish to avoid social settings or to even open their mouth in front of others. Living without a tooth can make chewing difficult as well.
Tooth loss often occurs because of poor oral hygiene. Tooth decay and gum diseases are common reasons that people seek tooth replacement treatments. Accidents and injuries are also factors. Suffering a hard blow to the face or biting into something can dislodge a tooth.
For a single tooth replacement, many people choose to get dental implants. There are many benefits to this option. Implants are durable and can last for more than 20 years. Implants also look almost identical to natural teeth. Having implants allows the person to eat most foods again and have full use of the mouth once more.
Implants consist of a titanium post, an abutment piece, and a crown. This process requires at least two surgeries and can take several months to complete. After each surgery, the patient must take time to heal. The bone and implant must also fuse to provide an anchor for the crown. The patient should take good care of the implants by brushing and flossing regularly.
Before dental implants were available, bridges were perhaps the most popular single tooth replacement method. A bridge literally bridges the gap in the mouth caused by the tooth loss. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth in the space, called a pontic, as well as crowns. The dentist will place crowns over the teeth adjacent to the space. These connect to a metal framework.
A bridge can last 10 years or more. The patient should continue to practice good oral hygiene while having a bridge. It is good to avoid hard and sticky foods. Regular dental appointments are also a good way to keep the bridge in good shape.
Dentures can effectively replace all of a person’s teeth. There are also partial dentures for tooth replacement. A partial appliance has a gum-colored acrylic base with an artificial tooth. The base clasps into place, and the artificial tooth fills in the space left by the missing tooth. Partial dentures are removable, so the patient can clean them without difficulty.
If you are missing a tooth, you may feel ashamed about your appearance. Your oral health can also suffer. Fortunately, you do not have to live like this for much longer. Make an appointment with your dentist today. The two of you can discuss your options and which one is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.westalbanydental.com or call West Albany Dental at (541) 249-7319 for an appointment in our Albany office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Replacement in Albany, OR.
A professional dental cleaning is non-invasive, and the entire process only takes a short amount of time on each visit. While the process for the visit may vary slightly for each patient, there are common steps involved with check-ups and professional dental cleaning visits that can be expected. The process for a dental cleaning typically involves…
One of the goals of general dentistry is to help patients defeat and prevent bad breath, which can be difficult to do without the proper precautions in place. By understanding what daily oral care techniques to implement, however, you can effectively avoid bad breath from developing.From dry mouth to eating onions and garlic, bad breath…
Seeing a family dentist at least two times a year is one of the main ways to keep teeth healthy and gums in good condition. Every six months, the dentist can check to ensure there are no signs of gum disease, cavities, tooth decay, or other implications of compromised oral health. For parents, it is…
Botox® has become a very effective treatment option for TMJ. Patients with TMJ can suffer from pain and discomfort in their jawbone. We all have a muscle in our jawbone that acts as a hinge. When this hinge begins dysfunctioning, you will have difficulty chewing, and even the simple act of yawning can severely hurt. Your…