subject: Options For Replacing A Lost Tooth [print this page] Whether caused by years of tooth decay or a sudden injury, having a lost tooth is a very stressful event. If you find yourself in a situation where you lose one of your teeth, you do not need to panic, however. Thanks to modern dental techniques, there are a number of different options for you to effectively replace a missing tooth. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Boynton Beach dentist to go over your options.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the longest lasting and most permanent tooth replacement option available today. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is directly inserted into the bone socket of a missing tooth. It is securely attached to your jawbone and acts as an anchor for a replacement crown. After attaching the titanium implant directly to your jawbone, you will have to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant. After this, your dentist will attach a replacement crown to the implant. After an implant and crown are installed, they can last for 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime. To care for an implant, you only need to maintain proper oral health by brushing, flossing and regularly visiting your dentist.
Dental Bridges
Another popular option to replace a tooth is the installation of a dental bridge. A dental bridge is a replacement tooth that is anchored on both sides by dental crowns. To install a bridge, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing your teeth and filing down the two teeth that will receive crowns. He or she will then take impressions of your teeth in order to create a bridge that will fit perfectly in your mouth. Once the bridge arrives from the dental lab, your dentist will do a final check to make sure that the fit and coloring are correct. If they are, he or she will then permanently cement the bridge into place, where it can last for as long as 15 years with the proper care.
Dentures
As patients begin to age and teeth start to fall out, many patients decide that dentures are their best option to replace their teeth. If you are only missing a few teeth, your dentist will be able to restore your smile by giving you a set of partial dentures. If most or all of your teeth are missing, your dentist will most likely give you a complete set of dentures to wear. Once your dentures are ready and you start wearing them, it is almost impossible to tell that your teeth are artificial. Every night, you will remove your dentures and put them in a disinfectant material for the night.
To learn more about your options to deal with tooth loss or to schedule an appointment, talk to your dentist in Boynton Beach today.
