Missing a Tooth? Let’s Talk About Your Options
If you have lost a tooth, you may be wondering what comes next. Some people worry about how their smile will look, while others feel the gap when they try to eat or speak. Whatever brought you here, the important thing to know is that you do have options. Read on to learn more.
Why Replacing a Missing Tooth Matters
You might feel tempted to leave a missing tooth alone, especially if it is not visible when you smile. However, your teeth work together as a system. When one is missing, the rest of your mouth begins to adjust.
Over time, the teeth next to the gap start to shift. Your bite changes, and chewing becomes uncomfortable. In the area where your tooth used to sit, your jawbone can also begin to weaken. When you replace a missing tooth, you are not just improving the look of your smile. You are helping protect the health, balance, and function of your entire mouth.
Your Options
Below are three common options available to you:
Dental implants are one of the most natural-feeling ways to replace a missing tooth. An implant acts like a replacement root that supports a custom crown designed to look like your natural tooth. If you are missing several teeth, we can also use implants to support larger restorations. Solutions like All-on-4 allow us to replace an entire arch of teeth with a small number of implants placed strategically in the jaw.
A dental bridge is another option we may recommend, especially when the teeth next to the gap are healthy and able to provide support. With a bridge, we create a custom restoration that uses the surrounding teeth to anchor a replacement tooth in the middle. Once it is placed, the bridge fills the space and restores the look and function of your smile.
If you are missing several teeth, dentures or partial dentures may be a good option. These restorations are designed to replace multiple teeth while restoring the appearance and function of your smile. Partial dentures work well when you still have some healthy, natural teeth remaining. Full dentures replace all teeth in an arch.
In some cases, we can also combine dentures with dental implants. This allows your dentures to attach securely to implants, giving you more stability and confidence when you eat, speak, and smile.
Let’s Find the Right Solution for You
The best tooth replacement option depends on your situation. How many teeth you are missing, the health of your gums and bone, and what you want your final result to feel like all matter. When you come to see us, we take the time to walk you through everything. We will explain your options, answer your questions, and help you choose the path that feels right for you. Ready to explore your options? Book an appointment with us today at our office located in Phoenix, AZ.
If you are living with a missing tooth, you do not have to navigate it alone. Together, we can rebuild your smile and help you feel comfortable using it again.
