subject: Options Your Dentist Has To Replace A Missing Tooth [print this page] Whether caused by a sudden injury or years of decay, having to lose a tooth can be a very stressful event in your life. Thanks to modern dental technology, you do not have to worry about if you will be able to replace your missing tooth. Your dentist today has several effective options to replace a tooth and completely restore your smile. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, don't hesitate to talk to your dentist in Orlando to go over your options.
Dental Bridges
One common way that your dentist will replace a missing tooth is through the use of a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial replacement tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To install a bridge, your dentist will first need to file down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth in order to create a bridge that will fit well in your bite. Once your permanent bridge arrives from the dental lab, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the fit and coloring are correct. If they are, he or she will then permanently cement the bridge into place. A bridge generally lasts about 15 years once installed.
Dental Implants
The longest lasting option that you have to replace a tooth is to have your dentist install a dental implant. An implant is a replacement tooth root that is directly installed in the bone socket of your missing tooth and attached to your jawbone. Once an implant is put in, it will act as an anchor for a replacement crown that will fill the gap in your teeth. After attaching the implant to your jawbone, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant. After this is done, you dentist will attach a small connector post to the implant and take an impression in order to create a crown. Once the crown is ready, he or she will permanently attach it to the connector post. Once installed, dental implants become functional parts of your mouth. Because of this, they can last 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime.
Dentures
If you are missing all or many of your teeth, your dentist may recommend that you get fitted for dentures. If you still have some teeth remaining, you will probably receive a set of partial dentures. Partial dentures use a combination of real and artificial teeth to complete your smile. However, if you have lost all or most of your teeth, your dentist will probably give you a complete set of removable dentures to wear. Dentures provide you with a very natural tooth appearance so no one will be able to tell that your teeth are not your own teeth.
To learn more about the different options to treat tooth loss or to schedule an appointment, contact your Orlando dentist today.
