Tooth Loss - How to Fill the Gaps Left by Missing Teeth

Tooth loss can lead to serious problems with your oral health. The space left by missing teeth madison al can cause shifting, which compromises the health of neighboring teeth.

While cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile, restorative dental services like dental implants help restore your teeth and jaw for long-term oral health. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose from fixed or removable options like dentures.

Single Dental Implants

When a single tooth is lost due to decay or gum disease, an implant can replace it. Unlike other tooth replacement options, a dental implant will replace both the visible portion of the tooth (the crown) and the missing root, resulting in a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.

An implant consists of a titanium screw surgically placed in the jawbone and topped with an abutment, a connector piece that supports the crown. The abutment and crown are custom-designed to match the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth, so it’s hard to tell where the implant ends and the natural tooth begins.

Replacing a missing tooth with an implant will help preserve the health of your jawbone. The roots of your teeth stimulate blood flow to the bone, which keeps it healthy and strong. Without the stimulation, the bone in that area will deteriorate, which can lead to further complications.

Implant Bridges

Dental bridges can be an effective solution for individuals missing a single tooth. The procedure is less invasive than implants and involves covering the gap with artificial teeth. These teeth are fixed in place to prevent shifting of existing teeth & restore full function to the mouth.

The dentist examines the healthy teeth on both sides of the gap to make sure they can support a bridge. If necessary, these teeth are prepared by filing down their crowns & getting them ready to receive the replacement bridge. The dentist then cements the new bridge to the abutment teeth with dental resin.

Patients with a bridge should continue to brush & floss their teeth daily & avoid chewing on pens, pencils, fingers, or hard foods. They may also need to visit their dentist regularly for cleaning & maintenance. Implant-supported bridges are more stable than traditional bridges & dentures & don’t slip or shift when eating, speaking or drinking.

Full or Partial Dentures

For many adults, significant tooth loss is an inevitable part of aging. However, it does not have to result in embarrassing gaps in your smile. The team at Precious Smiles Family Dentistry designs and fabricates dentures to fill these gaps and restore your oral health and your quality of life.

Conventional complete dentures consist of replacement teeth fitted into a plastic base that matches the color of your gums. They may be worn when all of the natural upper or lower teeth are missing, or when only a few sturdy remaining teeth support them.

Partial dentures fill the spaces created by missing teeth, preventing adjacent natural teeth from shifting and promoting healthy bites and facial contours. These appliances are often attached to dental implants to enhance retention and stability. Both types of dentures are removable, and they can be taken out at night to clean them and to give the underlying gums and jawbone a chance to rest and heal.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures are a tried-and-true method of replacing missing teeth madison al. They can replace a full arch of teeth or just a few, and they help rebuild normal functions like chewing and speaking. Our team works to make these appliances match the color of your gums for a natural appearance.

A complete or full denture rests atop the upper or lower gums, and it uses the roof of your mouth or jawbone ridge for support. Your dentist may recommend using denture glue to keep these dental prosthetics firmly in place.

This type of denture can be used as a temporary replacement solution while waiting for your dental implant to heal and fuse with the jawbone. However, it does not provide as much stability as an implant-supported bridge, and it can slip out of place if you are not careful with your hygiene practices. If you prefer a more permanent solution, your dentist can discuss options for dental implants with you.