Replace a Missing Tooth: What Is Your Best Option | Sani Dental Group

Throughout the course of our lives, there are numerous reasons why we may experience tooth loss. These factors can range from unexpected accidents to ongoing issues like gum disease.

Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to recognize why it is important to address and replace a missing tooth promptly.

Your oral health and overall well-being can be significantly affected when you have gaps in your smile.

Preserving Oral Health

When a tooth is lost, a gap is created in your mouth. This can lead to a series of oral health challenges. Your teeth are designed to function together. When one is missing, the harmony of this system is disrupted.

It is crucial to understand that when a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may start to move and shift towards the gap, causing a misalignment of your teeth. As a result, you may develop crooked teeth, and your bite may be affected, which can lead to further complications.

Additionally, after having a missing tooth for years, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate over time. This happens since the natural stimulation provided by the tooth’s root is lost, and the bone starts to resorb. This can lead to changes in your facial structure, including a sunken appearance.

To avoid all of these issues and preserve good oral health, it is necessary to address missing teeth on time.

Aesthetic and Confidence-Related Concerns

Replacing a missing tooth can also have a huge impact on your appearance, self-perception, and confidence.

Because of this, aesthetic concerns are also one of the main reasons why people with a missing tooth choose to get treatment to replace it and smile confidently again.

According to an investigation done for the study “Psychological And Social Effects of Tooth Loss (Research Article)” published in the Journal of Positive School Psychology in 2022, generally, the most common psychological effects described by people who had tooth loss were “loss of self-confidence, limitation of food choice, decreased enjoyment of food, avoidance of laughing in public, and reluctance to establish close relationships” (Davis, 2001, as cited in Aslan, 2022).

The results of this same study showed that the majority of patients wanted to replace their missing tooth due to problems with functionality and social anxiety.

By getting treatment to restore your smile, you will be able to feel good about your appearance and be empowered to engage more openly in social interactions, smile freely, and speak without hesitation, allowing you to improve your relationship with yourself and others.

Replacing missing teeth will not only restore functionality and preserve your oral health, but it can also mean a big change in how you present yourself in life.

Teeth Replacement Options

If you have been searching for how to fix a missing tooth, you’re in the right place. Fortunately, there are several viable options available to replace missing teeth.

Modern dentistry offers a wide range of solutions to tackle this common problem effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, there are treatment options available that can meet your specific needs.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a very popular option to restore missing teeth, as they are one of the most advanced and durable solutions for this issue.

They involve the surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as a strong foundation for a lifelike crown.

One of the most appealing aspects of this tooth replacement method is its remarkable strength and stability. As the replacement becomes a part of your jaw, it not only looks like a genuine tooth but also functions like one.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a non-removable tooth replacement method. It can replace a single tooth or a row of teeth.

Here’s how a dental bridge works: This technique typically involves three or more crowns. The two outermost crowns act as “anchor” teeth, these are placed on previously prepared natural teeth on either side of the gap created by the missing tooth. Anchor crowns provide stability and support for the bridge.

The middle crown in the bridge is called “pontic”. It is specially designed to replicate the appearance of a natural tooth and fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

The anchor teeth are prepared for crowns, and an impression of your teeth is taken to ensure a precise fit.

You might wonder, “How long can you go without a missing tooth?”

Once your permanent bridge is crafted, the anchor crowns will be securely cemented onto the prepared teeth. The specially designed pontic crown will sit in the gap where your missing tooth used to be.

With your new dental bridge in place, you won’t have to wait any longer to enjoy a complete and functional smile.

Partial Removable Dentures

Partial dentures can serve as an effective solution for replacing missing teeth. This prosthetic is designed to restore both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile when you have a few, but not all, of your natural teeth missing.

These custom-made appliances consist of a replacement tooth attached to a base that holds it in place. The dentures may also have metal or plastic clasps that attach to your natural teeth. This provides stability and helps keep the denture securely in place.

It is important to note that this type of denture isn’t usually meant to be worn all day long, your dentist may recommend removing them at night and cleaning them.

We Are Here to Help: Sani Dental Group

If you need to replace a missing tooth and are looking for options, we are here to help.

At sani dental group you can be treated by the most qualified dental professionals who can assist you in determining the best tooth replacement option for your needs.

Contact us at (928) 257-1307 and book your appointment today!