Losing a tooth can affect more than the appearance of your smile. A missing tooth may make it harder to chew or speak comfortably, and over time, nearby teeth can shift toward the open space. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several ways to replace missing teeth and restore your smile’s function and appearance.
The right solution depends on factors such as how many teeth you are missing, the health of your remaining teeth and gums, your jawbone health, and your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common options.
Dental Implants
For many patients, a dental implant is an excellent long-term option for replacing a missing tooth. An implant is a small post placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root. After the area has healed, a custom dental crown is attached to create a natural-looking replacement tooth.
One advantage of implants is that they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. They can also provide excellent stability and function. Implants may be used to replace a single tooth or support restorations when several teeth are missing.
Not everyone is automatically a candidate, however. Healthy gums, sufficient bone, good oral hygiene, and an evaluation by your dentist are important when determining whether implant treatment is appropriate.
Learn more about dental implants in Charlotte, NC.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is another fixed option for replacing one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge typically uses the teeth on either side of the gap to support an artificial replacement tooth.
Because the restoration is fixed in place, you do not remove it for daily cleaning. Bridges can restore your ability to chew, improve the appearance of your smile, and help fill the space left by a missing tooth.
Whether a bridge is a good choice often depends on the health of the surrounding teeth and the location of the missing tooth.
Partial Dentures
If you are missing one or several teeth, a removable partial denture may be an option. Partial dentures include replacement teeth attached to a base that fits comfortably in your mouth.
Unlike an implant or fixed bridge, a partial denture can be removed for cleaning. It can be especially helpful when several teeth need replacement and a fixed restoration is not the preferred treatment.
For patients who have lost all of their teeth in an upper or lower arch, complete dentures may also be considered. Learn more about complete and partial dentures.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
It can be tempting to ignore a missing tooth, especially when the gap is toward the back of your mouth. However, replacing missing teeth can help restore chewing function and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. The American College of Prosthodontists notes that missing teeth can be replaced with options including removable partial dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants.
Which Tooth Replacement Option Is Right for Me?
There is no single solution that is best for every patient. Your dentist can examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone and discuss the advantages of each treatment based on your individual needs.
At Caldwell, Bills, Petrilli & West Dentistry, we provide personalized restorative care to help patients throughout South Charlotte enjoy healthy, confident smiles.
Ready to explore your tooth replacement options? If you are in the Charlotte area, near the Arboretum, contact us today to find the right solution for your smile.