subject: Lost A Tooth? Your Dentist Has Options To Help [print this page] Losing a tooth can be a very stressful eventLosing a tooth can be a very stressful event. Whether it is caused by years of decay or a sudden injury that knocks it out, you will want to be able to get the tooth replaced as quickly and effectively as possible. Thanks to advances in modern dental techniques, your dentist now has a few different options that he or she can use to effectively replace a missing tooth. If you think you need to receive a tooth replacement operation, don't hesitate to talk to your Shakopee dentist to learn more.
Dental Implants
The most recent development in tooth replacements are in dental implants. Implants are replacement tooth roots that are directly installed in the bone socket of a missing tooth and attached to your jawbone. Once the implant is securely in place, it will act as an anchor for a replacement crown. After the implant is attached to your jawbone, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant. After the healing process is finished, your dentist will then create and install a crown to fully restore your smile. Once an implant is put in, it becomes a fully functional part of your mouth. Once your implant is put it, it will last for as long as 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime.
Dental Bridges
Another popular method to replace a missing tooth is by using a dental bridge. A bridge is an artificial replacement tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To put a bridge in, your dentist will first anesthetize the area and file down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, he or she will take an impression of the area in order to create a bridge that will fit in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. Once your permanent bridge arrives from a dental lab, your dentist will give it a final check for fit and coloring. If everything is correct, he or she will then permanently attach your bridge, which can last around 15 years.
Dentures
If you have lost multiple or all of your teeth, your dentist may recommend you get fitted for a set of dentures. If you have several missing teeth, you will most likely receive a set of partial dentures. Partial dentures use a combination of false teeth and your remaining natural teeth to fully restore your smile. If you have lost all or almost all of your teeth, your dentist may decide that a complete set of dentures is the best option for you. Once your dentures are complete, they provide you with a very natural tooth appearance and no one will be able to tell that your teeth are not fully natural.
To learn more about your options for tooth replacement or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Shakopee today.
