Do You Know About Tooth Replacement Options?

Tooth Loss Isn’t Just A Vanity Issue

There are a number of reasons people can lose their teeth—and as an adult, there are no tooth fairy visits to make this a cause for celebration. Gum disease, accidents and simply aging can lead to tooth loss. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this isn’t just a vanity problem. The less teeth a person has, the fewer fruits and veggies they enjoy because it’s more challenging to chew. Softer, processed foods are the go-to choice for those with missing teeth, and these foods usually lack key nutrients.

Tooth Replacement Options

The good news? There are several tooth replacement options. Restore your self-confidence and get back to those healthy diet choices with one of these procedures and Skinner Dental is here to help.

Dentures: Dentures are removable devices featuring artificial teeth (that look just like the real thing). A full set of dentures can completely replace your teeth, while partial dentures are designed to replace specific teeth. In some cases, additional teeth may need to be removed before a denture fitting can happen.

Implants: Implants replace tooth roots via surgically fitting artificial teeth into the jaw bone. Unlike dentures, these can’t be removed at night—they’re “implanted.” Each implant is custom made to perfectly match the colors, shapes and unique “you-ness” of your existing teeth.

Bridges: Bridges are devices that hold artificial teeth. They can be used to replace one or more continuous missing teeth. They can either be removable, like partial dentures, or implanted under the gums and into the jaw for a permanent fix.

Crowns: A “crowning jewel” for your teeth, crowns can cover up a number of issues resulting in stronger teeth that look flawless. Crowns serve several purposes including strengthening teeth which have worn away around a filling, preventing weak teeth in bridges from cracking or breaking, and covering a tooth after a root canal procedure.

Sometimes tooth loss just happens no matter how vehemently you follow the regimen your dentist designed for you. Whether it’s sub-par dental hygiene, an iffy diet or a disease like diabetes that caused your tooth loss, there’s no reason to live with the embarrassment of missing teeth.

Maybe your body simply doesn’t produce enough saliva to properly coat your teeth, which led to your teeth not getting enough protective proteins and minerals. Maybe you took a spill during crow pose in yoga. No matter what caused your tooth loss, the tooth replacement options at Midway Family Dental Center can have you smiling again in no time.