If you are missing one or more teeth, it can affect your smile in more than an aesthetic way. The remaining healthy teeth can shift out of place in the absence of the lost tooth/ teeth. The jaw can permanently shrink.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to replace lost teeth. If only one tooth is missing, your dentist will likely suggest a dental implant. A dental implant consists of a tiny titanium screw which is anchored into the jaw bone where the natural tooth root used to be. While the jaw gums and tissues are healing, a prosthetic tooth will be custom created for you in a dental laboratory. During your next dental visit, the tooth will be affixed to the titanium post.
In cases where the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support the bridge, a fixed bridge is an excellent solution to maintain alignment and create a beautiful smile. Your dentist can craft a bridge that perfectly matches the color of the surrounding teeth, shaped to enhance your smile even more than the teeth it replaces.
A fixed bridge is fixed to surrounding teeth. The bridge fills (bridges) the gap left by the missing teeth, preventing the surrounding teeth from moving into the gap and becoming misaligned.
If all of the patient’s teeth are either missing or are unsalvageable, dentures may be the best solution. A denture is a removable dental appliance that mimics the look and function of real teeth. Denture technology has advanced greatly in the past years, and many patients find partial or complete dentures to be the most convenient and cost effective solution for their missing teeth.
At our clinic in Richmond, our friendly and knowledgeable dental staff can evaluate your situation and work with you to formulate a treatment plan to restore your smile that suits your budget and lifestyle.
