I'm missing a tooth - what are my options?
Posted on 24th January 2018 at 15:04
Losing a tooth can cause a loss of self-confidence and even a reluctance to smile in the long-term. Fortunately, with recent technological developments there are several options available for patients who have lost one or more teeth.
Dental Implants
Artifical roots placed into your jaw bone are used to secure new teeth. This is the closest you can get to having your teeth back. Surgeon Chris Lucas has twenty years of experience placing implants and is proud of all the people he has helped with this technique.
Advantages:
• Longevity - Implants are long-lasting, permanent solutions to tooth loss.
• Appearance – Implants look just like natural teeth, so no one will be able to tell the difference.
• Strength – Implants give the same bite strength as natural teeth and will help prevent the bone to eroding over time. This is often the consequence of loosing teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable false teeth that fit over the gums to replace missing teeth and prevent problems caused by gaps. There are two types of dentures – full dentures (a complete set of dentures that replace all your upper or lower teeth), or partial dentures (a prosthesis that replaces just one tooth or a few missing teeth).
Dentures are a cheaper, less invasive and quicker option.
Advantages:
• Time – Dentures take less time to fit than dental implants.
• Cost – Dentures are the most affordable options for some patients.
• Non-invasive – Surgery is not required for dentures, so the process to fit them is non-invasive.
Bridges/Crowns
Bridges and crowns are fixed onto existing teeth or implants. A crown is used to cover or ‘cap’ a damaged tooth and can only be used on a tooth that still has a viable root. A bridge spans the gap where the tooth are missing and is attached to the teeth on either side of the gap.
Advantages:
• Quick to fit – It usually takes just two appoitnments to replace a tooth with a bridge.
• Confidence – Unlike traditional dentures that need to be taken out for cleaning, dental bridges are fixed to your mouth and are cared for as you would care for your natural teeth.
• Appearance – Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the colour of your natural teeth and look more real than dentures.
For more information about how Park Dental Care can help you repair or replace missing, broken, or damaged teeth, contact us today. We look forward to restoring your smile.
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