Losing a tooth can be painful and even traumatic. The loss can interfere with eating, speaking, and self-confidence, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. If a gap is left where a tooth should be, there is an increased risk of bone loss in the jaw and a higher likelihood of infection. Already, you may start to wonder about tooth replacement options.
Over time, the jaw bone loses definition. This causes your face to sag, making you look decades older than you actually are. But you can prevent this scenario from becoming your reality. To do so, it is important to have a conversation with your local dentist as soon as possible when you first lose a tooth.
Starting the process early will give you access to care that can help mitigate potential bone loss or infection. At the same time, it allows you the time to make a well-informed decision regarding replacement. As a top cosmetic dentist in Cerritos, Innovative smiles offers many restorative options. There is a range of different materials used in tooth replacement procedures. And you should discuss them carefully with your dentist. Here are a few general categories for you to consider.
Partial Dentures
If you’re looking for the simplest procedure, then a partial denture may be right for you. These are essentially removable dental prosthetics that are designed by your dentist to fit your mouth. They are usually held in place by precision attachments that use the closest natural teeth as an anchor. However, in some cases, these natural teeth may need to be crowned for added stability.
The benefit is clear. A partial denture can do a lot to improve your confidence. This applies when you’re speaking or eating. Both actions will feel far more comfortable once you have gotten used to the denture. Unfortunately, partial dentures may still result in bone loss in the jaw, as the jaw in that region won’t be exposed to the regular pressure of chewing. If a dental implant isn’t a practical choice for you at the moment, then you may want to consider it for the future.
Dental Bridges
If you would rather have a more permanent solution without months of waiting, then a dental bridge is a good option. They are very similar to partial dentures, but they are not removable. While designing and placing a dental bridge, your dentist will use healthy teeth to permanently hold the group of prosthetic teeth in place. It is very common for dentists to crown these support teeth or even use dental implants on either side of the bridge to guarantee a stable structure. As will dentures, dental bridges will not necessarily prevent bone loss.
Dental Implants
Dental implants in Cerritos are the holy grail of tooth restoration, but they are a lot of work. Even if you don’t need a bone graft, the procedure has to take place in multiple stages over a period of months. The reason for the wait is simple. The first stage of a typical dental implant without a bone graft is the placement of the post. This metallic rod replaces the root of the tooth. Your dentist drills it directly into the jawbone. Your oral surgeon then has to wait until your jaw has grown around the post, fully incorporating it into the bone. Only then can your surgeon proceed with placing the abutment and the prosthetic tooth.
The good news is that the dental implant is a permanent fix that addresses all of the complications associated with missing teeth, including bone loss. It is a lengthy and involved procedure. However, if it is a financially viable option and your doctor agrees that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure, then the dental implant is, by far, the superior choice. To find out which procedure suits your individual situation, schedule a consultation with your dentist at Jesmine Boghawala DDS.
