Restore function by Replacing Missing Teeth

Do you have missing teeth or gaps in your smile? If so a dental bridge or an implant may be an excellent solution for you. Missing teeth can cause multiple problems for your oral health, so it is ideal to have them replaced. In today’s blog your Cleveland, TX, dentist discusses a few options for restoring your smile to optimal health.

Dental Issues with Missing Teeth

Did you know that missing teeth can increase the risk of losing more teeth over time? This is why it is imperative to replace them as soon as possible. Bone will begin to resorb where there is no longer a tooth root compromising the bone around your existing teeth. It is also common for other teeth to begin to drift into the space causing bite issues and premature wear. Everyone is different so it is important to maintain dental check-ups so that your dentist can monitor the situation in your mouth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

You guessed it! It is essentially a bridge that helps fill in a gap left by a lost tooth. One or more dental crowns support the pontic. They are bonded to the healthy teeth right next to the space being filled. The crowns are natural-looking and are made from strong porcelain. We often suggest whitening procedures to get your teeth to your ideal shade before matching your new crown to the teeth around it. Sometimes, a bridge may include several pontics to replace multiple lost teeth that are next to each other. This can be a more stable and convenient option than removable appliances like partial dentures.

What About Dental Implants?

If there is enough bone at the site of your missing tooth, you may be a candidate for an implant. These strong and stable restorations support a replacement tooth or teeth with posts that are inserted into a patient’s jawbone. The bone then fuses to the posts. After stability is established, a dental crown or multi-pontic bridge can be placed on the posts. Implants are a great option to preserve the healthy teeth around them without having to crown them like with a bridge.

Schedule an Appointment to Replace Your Missing Tooth

Let us help you rebuild and protect your smile with a dental bridge or implants. To find out which option suits you, call our dental office in Cleveland, TX, today at (281) 592-1234.