Losing a single tooth can impact dental health more than one might think. Even if the gap in the mouth is not visible when smiling, eventually, the effects will be. Missing just one tooth can throw off the smile's alignment as the remaining teeth shift, trying to fill the space. The loss of just one tooth can even contribute to the loss of surrounding teeth due to a jawbone weakening. Also, the gap left by one missing tooth can create more hard-to-reach places where plaque and bacteria can become trapped, leading to inflammation and gum disease.
Patients can help prevent the negative effects of tooth loss by talking to a dentist as soon as possible about single-tooth replacement options. Here are three ways general dentists can help patients with single-tooth replacement.
A traditional dental bridge for replacing a single tooth consists of one false tooth (pontic) with a dental crown on either side. The general dentist cements two dental crowns over the patient's natural teeth on either side of the space, and the false tooth bridges the gap between them. The dental bridge has a couple of variations, but the basic idea is the same: the patient's remaining natural teeth support the restoration. A dental bridge restores chewing function and helps keep the surrounding teeth from shifting out of place.
The typical partial denture consists of a pink acrylic base to match the gums and a false tooth. It is custom-made to fit the patient's mouth and attaches to the surrounding teeth through metal hooks or clasps. Partial dentures are not fixed like dental bridges. Therefore, they involve an adjustment period and require removal for cleaning. However, a partial denture is natural-looking and will help restore the form and function of the smile.
Dental implants offer fixed tooth replacement that does not require attachment to the surrounding teeth. Many general dentists consider this replacement to resemble having a natural tooth. A screw-like metal implant post is surgically placed in the patient's jawbone. After a healing period, during which the post integrates into the jawbone, a dentist places the abutment and dental crown to complete the restoration. A key advantage of a dental implant is that it replaces the tooth root, provides stimulation, keeps the jawbone strong, and helps prevent resorption.
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Just one missing tooth can lead to a host of dental problems. This is why the team at Point Pleasant Dental Spa recommends replacing a missing tooth as soon as possible. Call our team today to discuss your single-tooth replacement options with a general dentist.
Request an appointment or call Point Pleasant Dental Spa at 732-272-0912 for an appointment in our Point Pleasant office.
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