When a dentist can no longer repair a tooth, extraction is the only option available. But what are the next steps?
In this blog the team at Teeth & Smiles explore your options for replacing a missing tooth.
These include:
Leave the gap!
If the extracted tooth is at the back of your mouth and not visible when you talk, laugh, or smile, you may leave the gap. The dentist will monitor the adjacent teeth to ensure they do not shift and affect your bite over time.
Bridges
To create a bridge, the adjacent teeth are prepared for crowns to support the false teeth. Made from porcelain or ceramic, the bridge matches your natural tooth colour. The bridge is viable only if the supporting teeth are healthy and strong. If these crowned teeth fail, the entire bridge may fail and in these circumstances it may not be possible to create a new bridge and further teeth may need to be extracted.
Dentures
Dentures can be used to replace one or several missing teeth. They are created by a dental technician using a chrome (metal) or acrylic (plastic) base and composite teeth. Dentures have the added benefit that they can be fitted immediately after the tooth or teeth are extracted so you will not need to be seen with a gap in your smile. It is also possible to add further teeth onto the denture if teeth need to be extracted in the future.
Dental Implants
Dental implants involve inserting a titanium screw into the jawbone, which then supports a crown, bridge, or denture. Dental implants closely mimic natural teeth. They are independent restorations and do not rely on existing teeth for support.
If you would like to find out more and see what treatment is available to replace your missing teeth call Teeth & Smiles on 020 7352 7049 and let us get you smile ready for summer!