Have you lost your tooth? This happens to patients of all ages for a wide variety of reasons. Once you address any underlying concerns, such as gum disease, it is important to immediately begin the process of choosing a solution like a dental bridge to replace your tooth. Rest assured, we urge you to complete your smile not simply so you feel good about your looks but because a full set of teeth is an essential part of a comfortable daily life. Ready to learn more and to find out where to go from here? Read ahead:
Why You Should Replace Even One Tooth
Do you look at the open space in your mouth and figure that you are only missing one tooth, so you should simply learn to live with it? If so, we encourage you to understand the significance of missing even one single tooth. Consider the following:
- When you lose a tooth, your remaining natural teeth may begin slowly shifting into that opening – this may ultimately lead to misalignment that will require orthodontic treatment
- A missing tooth may make for difficulty with chewing
- You may find it difficult to speak as clearly as you once did if you are missing a tooth
- You may feel embarrassed by the appearance of your smile
- Food may often become lodged in the open space, making for frustrating eating as well as daily hygiene
How To Replace A Tooth
If you are missing only one tooth, you have replacement options to complete your smile. Learn more about them:
- Dental Bridges: You may choose a dental bridge to replace your missing tooth. This is a fixed prosthetic that we will cement in place in your mouth. A bridge is composed of a series of connected artificial teeth. On each end of the bridge is a dental crown that we will place over the teeth sitting on either side of your missing tooth. Within these crowns is a tooth replacement called a pontic, which will fill the opening.
- Dental Implants: An implant is a titanium post. We will place it surgically into your jawbone to replace your roots. Once the post heals and fuses to your jawbone, we will top – or restore – it with a dental crown to replace your tooth.
ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE, TX DENTISTS:
As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.
