A missing tooth can have consequences on oral health and self-confidence. The good news is that periodontists have several tooth replacement options to restore a patient’s smile, no matter where the lost tooth was located. Whether through surgical or nonsurgical tooth replacements, periodontists can effectively fill gaps in your smile, improve bite function and force, and boost your confidence.
When left alone, gaps in the smile can cause several problems. The first is a weakened bite and chewing function. In addition, the surrounding teeth will be free to shift into the gap, causing crooked or crowded teeth. This can make it harder to clean the teeth, which increases the risk of tooth discoloration and decay. The underlying jawbone that previously supported the missing tooth will also be prone to shrinking. As a result, the face and jaw may take on a different look.
Even in the best-case scenario where none of the remaining teeth shift, or the jawbone does not have time to shrink, the gap left by a missing tooth can negatively affect self-image. Tooth replacement can restore self-esteem and confidence by filling this gap. It will also combat the oral health effects mentioned above.
Periodontists offer many tooth replacement options, the most common of which are dental implants, dental bridges, partial dentures, and flipper teeth. Explore these options below.
Dental implants are metal posts that replace the tooth root and support tooth replacements. Typically, these replacements are dental crowns. However, if more than one tooth is missing, the periodontist can cement a dental prosthetic that replaces several to a full arch of teeth.
The benefits of implants include their ability to last a lifetime, preserving the jawbone and shape without relying on surrounding structures for support. Moreover, the end result will look and feel natural.
Dental bridges are a popular nonsurgical tooth replacement in which a false tooth called a pontic is anchored by dental crowns or wings. These anchoring structures are cemented on either the natural teeth or dental implants on one or both sides of the gap. A periodontist may recommend bridges to replace one to four consecutive missing teeth.
Most people think of dentures as replacing a full set of teeth. However, patients can get partial dentures to replace several missing teeth or a flipper tooth to replace a single tooth in the same way as dentures. These options consist of an artificial tooth or teeth attached to a gum-colored base. Like a full set of dentures, these removable tooth replacements sit on top of the gums, fitting almost like a retainer.
Restoring a smile and regaining confidence after tooth loss is possible through tooth replacement. Each method has unique benefits and caters to different needs, preferences, and oral health conditions. To find out which is best for you, ask our Summit periodontist during an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.summitperioimplants.com or call Summit Periodontics & Dental Implants at (908) 219-6664 for an appointment in our Summit office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Restorations in Summit, NJ.
Are you considering Botox from your dentist? More and more dental professionals are adding Botox to their list of dental services nowadays, as it can be used for more than diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Dentists who offer their patients Botox treatments must first undergo the necessary training, which allows them to administer Botox to…
People who are seeking healthy gums but are dealing with challenges with gingivitis can see an expert periodontist, a dental professional who has studied the structures that support the teeth. These include the gums, the jawbone itself, and the ligaments that help hold the teeth in place.Periodontists are trained dentists who focus their attention on…
Concerned about gum recession? Read on to learn more. If your smile looks different in the mirror recently, you might want to see a periodontist. You may notice your tooth roots are showing more, your teeth seem longer, or your gums are receding. Perhaps your gums are becoming more tender and your teeth are more…
A missing tooth can be a big hindrance when you want to smile confidently, and many patients do not realize that All-on-4 dental implants might be an alternative to a smile full of gaps. When a person is missing a single tooth, a replacement can seem simple; however, those who have lost multiple teeth or…