Having a tooth removed and not replacing it is bad for your smile. Issues like teeth shifting, excessive wear, and gum irritation can occur. If you’re in Lewisville, Coppell, or DFW, visit with the team at Solid Smiles. We’ll discuss your tooth replacement options with you, so that you can make a smart choice about your smile’s future. Common options include treatments like bridges, partial dentures, or dental implants.
What Is A Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges have been used for many years with great success. A bridge is a connection of three or more individual crowns. A crown is a porcelain type shell that slides over your natural tooth and is adhered with a strong cement. In the case of a bridge, the crown that fits where you’re missing a tooth is solid rather than hollow. A bridge not only replaces a missing tooth, but the added layer protects weak, vulnerable teeth as well.
In order to fit you for a bridge, our Lewisville dentist will have to reduce the thickness of the neighboring teeth. If those teeth are perfectly healthy, we may suggest leaving them as is, and going with another tooth replacement option.
Partial Dentures for Tooth Replacement
A partial denture is a removable device that you wear during the day. Typically, it has a metal base with acrylic teeth attached to it. The appliance has hooks that fit around some of your natural teeth. These clasps help hold the partial firmly in place.
A partial is the most cost-effective tooth replacement option. The best thing about it is that it will cost you about the same no matter how many teeth are missing (as long as they’re on the same arch).
Several people shy away at the idea of wearing a removable appliance. Additionally, a partial may not be the best option if you only have one missing tooth. It makes more sense to get one when you need to replace several teeth.
Lewisville Dental Implants
A dental implant is the gold standard tooth replacement option. During this procedure, a titanium post is placed within the bony area of your missing tooth. Once the implant has integrated with the surrounding bone and is stable enough to withstand chewing pressure, we’ll attach a crown to it.
Implants are popular because they’re the most natural-looking tooth replacement option. They’re also permanent, fixed, aesthetically pleasing, and don’t affect any other teeth. The best part? Implants are designed to last for life.
Some people aren’t candidates for a dental implant. If your sinus cavity is in the way, you don’t have enough jaw bone, the space is too narrow, or if you have gum disease, then an implant is contraindicated.
Deciding Which Is Best for You
Dr. Hiral Patel at Solid Smiles can help you decide which tooth replacement option is best for you. If you live in Lewisville, Coppell, or the greater DFW area, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us! Call today to get started.
This article was written by Dr. Hiral Patel DDS
Published: 08/5/19 3:47 PM