subject: What Your Dentist Can Do To Replace Your Lost Tooth [print this page] Whether lost due to a sudden injury or years of decay, losing a tooth can be a very stressful event in your life. Thanks to modern dental technology, your dentist will be able to fully replace and restore your smile. There are several different ways that your dentist can do so that depend on several factors. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, don't hesitate to talk to your Everett dentist as soon as you can.
Dental Implants
The most recent development in tooth replacement technology has been the increased use of dental implants. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is installed into the bone socket of your missing tooth and directly attached to your jawbone. Once an implant is put in, it acts as an anchor for a replacement crown that is then installed. After the implant is put in, you will need to wait for a period of time for your gums to heal around the implant. During this time, the implant will become completely secured in your mouth. Because of this, an implant is the longest lasting tooth replacement option that you have. Once an implant is installed, it can last as long as 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime.
Dental Bridges
Another popular way that your dentist may replace a missing tooth is to use a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To put a bridge in, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing the area and filing down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, he or she will take an impression of your teeth in order to create a bridge that fits perfectly to your teeth. Once the bridge arrives from the dental lab, your dentist will check it to make sure the fit and coloring are correct. He or she will then permanently cement the bridge in place, where it usually will last for 15 years or longer.
Dentures
If you have lost multiple teeth, your dentist may recommend that you get fitted for dentures. If you have only lost several teeth, your dentist will probably give you a set of partial dentures. Partial dentures use a combination of your natural teeth and artificial replacement teeth to fully restore your smile. If you have lost all or almost all of your teeth, your dentist will provide you with a set of complete dentures that replace all of your teeth. Once you put them in, they will provide you with a very natural tooth appearance and no one will be able to tell that your teeth are not completely natural.
To learn more about your options to deal with tooth loss or to schedule an appointment, contact your Everett dentist today.
