A lost tooth can drastically alter the look of your smile. Depending on whether the missing tooth is the result of gum disease, an accident, severe dental decay, or a congenital ailment, a missing tooth can cause a variety of problems. Regardless of how a tooth is lost, it can have a detrimental influence on your teeth’s alignment over time and lead to various difficulties if it isn’t replaced. Sometimes you don’t understand how valuable your teeth are until they’re gone, and teeth don’t stay forever.
Even one missing tooth can have a significant impact on your oral health and self-esteem. A missing tooth or teeth can damage your speech, chewing abilities, and jawbone’s integrity and cause your teeth to move into some empty areas over time. Fortunately, several good choices exist for replacing your missing tooth or teeth and restoring your attractive smile.
These are some of the most frequent treatments used by dentists to treat tooth decay.
Dental implants.
A dental implant is a titanium-based prosthetic tooth root used to secure a crown. Many patients admire how natural-looking and functioning dental implants are. A tooth implant, unlike dentures, integrates with your jawbone over time and will not slip. Under the right care and protection, dental implants can last for years.
Unlike other tooth replacement solutions, dental implants stimulate jawbone tissue, preventing it from disintegrating over time. The health of your mouth and the contour of your face is affected by jawbone degradation. Dental implants also aid in retaining neighbouring teeth, preventing them from loosening and eventually falling out.
You must have healthy gum and jawbone tissue to be a candidate for dental implants. If you don’t have enough jawbone tissue, dentist may propose a bone graft. Dental implants are more intrusive than other tooth-replacement choices, but they endure longer. Advantages of dental implants are numerous but you have to consult with the dentist whether it is right for you or not.
Dentures.
You might wish to inquire about complete or partial dentures if you’ve lost one or more teeth. After serious tooth loss, dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that allow you to eat and speak normally.
When you sneeze or cough, your dentures may slide, which is easily addressed by biting down softly and swallowing. If you discover that your dentures are slipping more frequently, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist in Calgary to schedule a denture fitting.
You must maintain good dental hygiene when wearing dentures. To reduce plaque formation in unfilled sockets, dentists recommend cleaning your gums. Otherwise, bleeding gums might make wearing your dentures difficult.
To minimise cracking and warping, keep your dentures immersed in water or cleaner whenever they’re not in your mouth.
Dental bridge.
A dental bridge, as the name indicates, ‘bridges’ the gap in your smile left by a lost tooth. A dental bridge is made up of a prosthetic tooth held in place on both sides by crowns on natural or implanted teeth.
If you don’t want to wait months for a dental implant to fuse to your jawbone, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge. If they utilise CEREC then they can make a dental bridge in only one appointment. Bridges are advantageous because they have the same feel and appearance as natural teeth. On each side of the gap, you could notice that they improve the look of your natural teeth.
Removable partial dentures.
When your front teeth are gone, it may be incredibly humiliating. A removable partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth and is worn during the day. Metal clasps may occasionally be required to keep a partial denture in place. Unfortunately, when speaking or smiling, these metal clasps may be seen.
Another problem with a removable partial denture is that it might slide about while you talk or eat, irritating. Taking them out at night and soaking them in a cleaning solution is a good idea. There is no need to file down teeth with a partial denture, and it is the most cost-effective alternative. All lost teeth can be replaced with a complete denture.
Dental crowns.
These caps protect exposed teeth from infection and illness by covering them. Dentists use caps to protect a weak tooth, conceal a dental implant, replace a fractured or worn down tooth, secure a bridge, or conceal a discoloured tooth.
They’re composed of various materials, including metal, porcelain, ceramic, composite resin, and stainless steel, much like fillings. Because crowns must be created in a dental laboratory, your dentist will provide you with a temporary crown while you wait for the permanent crown to replace the missing tooth structure.
What can be the impact of your missing teeth?
Depending on where a lost tooth is located, you may not notice a gap in your mouth. This might be the case if you’re missing a tooth in the rear or side of your mouth. However, because your teeth are built to operate together, losing one or more teeth can affect speaking and eating and create other issues over time.
If chewing your food becomes difficult or painful, you may eat on one side of your mouth or eat at a considerably slower rate. Your jaw and face muscles will have to bear the pain. Missing teeth can cause your mouth to move, changing the form of your face.
In addition, your bite may vary to compensate for missing teeth, and the remaining teeth may shift and migrate due to the increased space. Other problems might arise, including dental sensitivity, grinding, and trouble eating.
Conclusion.
If you’re missing teeth due to dental decay, gum disease, or an injury, talk to your dentist about your choices for tooth replacement. The price will vary based on the type of replacement, the number of teeth to be replaced, and even where you live.
Some health insurance policies may cover the replacement cost or a portion of it. If not, some dental clinics may work with you to set up a payment or financing plan. These treatment methods are successful, and a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture can endure for years or even decades with proper cleaning and care. Restorative dentistry in Calgary can help you deal with your missing teeth with various treatments.
