When it comes to replacing missing front teeth, there are options available. This article reviews some popular tooth replacement options so you can preserve your smile and your health. Due to their position, losing front teeth may undermine your self-esteem and make you less inclined to smile for photographs. However, it is about more than just your smile’s aesthetic appeal. Missing teeth may impact your dental health and functions, including speech, chewing, and the shifting of nearby teeth.
If saving a tooth is impossible and the dentist recommends tooth extraction, some of the following are options for replacing missing front teeth:
The dentist may recommend an implant if the tooth has to be removed or if a front tooth has been knocked out. Implant restorations offer the most surreal and closest match to the natural teeth, meaning it will be hard to tell that a patient has undergone tooth replacement. Dental implants are metal posts that are inserted into the jawbone under the gum line.
Osseointegration is the process through which metal implants get integrated into the bone. This procedure offers a steady foundation on which a dental prosthetic can be attached. The recovery time after receiving an implant may range from 6 to 12 weeks. The dentist will insert an abutment over the implant, upon which the replacement tooth will be mounted. Depending on the number of missing teeth, the dental professional can attach a crown or bridge.
Bridges consist of two crowns, one on each end, and a substitute tooth (pontic) bridge that sits in the gum line where tooth loss has occurred. Dental crowns are bonded to the teeth on either side. These teeth (called abutment teeth) need to be filed down by the dentist to ensure the crowns fit correctly. This option is typically used when there are consecutive missing teeth on the jaw. In the case of multiple missing teeth, your dentist may use dental implants to support the bridge.
A partial denture may be a better choice than a bridge if the patient has lost several teeth that are not next to one another. The new teeth would sit on top of the gums, connected to artificial plastic gums. The metal wire may be used to join different pieces of prosthetic teeth. After that, the dentures are removable for cleaning. They are generally a less expensive choice for replacing lost teeth, although they may not be as long-lasting as other alternatives.
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Contact our dental office immediately if you have damaged or knocked out a front tooth. They will either be able to see you for an emergency appointment if required, or they will schedule you as soon as possible if you do not have an urgent need. During your appointment, options for replacing missing front teeth will be explored with you.
Request an appointment or call Mission Valley Dental Arts at 619-805-4248 for an appointment in our San Diego office.
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