Lost A Tooth? Here" s How Your Dentist Can Replace It
Losing one of your natural teeth is never something you want to have happen. Whether lost due to years of decay or a sudden injury, it can be a very stressful event. Thanks to modern dental techniques and technologies, however, your dentist will be able to restore your smile to the point where no one will be able to tell that one of your teeth was once missing. He or she has several options to replace the tooth depending on the specific situation. If you are in need of a tooth replacement procedure, don't hesitate to talk to your Sterling Heights dentist today to learn more.
Dental Implants
The longest lasting option you have for replacing a missing tooth is for your dentist to install a dental implant into your mouth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is installed in the bone socket of your missing tooth and directly attached to your jawbone. Once the implant is put in, it will act as an anchor for a replacement crown that is attached to it. After your dentist attaches the dental implant to your jawbone, you will then have to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant. During this time, the implant will be further secured to your jaw and become a permanent part of your mouth. After the crown is installed, your implant and crown can last 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime.
Dental Bridges
Another popular way to replace a missing tooth is with a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial replacement tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To put a bridge in, your dentist will first have to anesthetize the area and then file down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, your dentist will take an impression of the area in order to create a bridge that will fit perfectly to your teeth. Once your permanent bridge arrives, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the color and fit are correct then he or she will permanently attach your bridge to your mouth. Once put in, a bridge can last 15 years or more.
Dentures
If you have lost multiple teeth, your dentist may decide that a set of dentures is the best option for you. If you have lost only several teeth, he or she will probably give you a set of partial dentures. Partial dentures use a combination of your natural teeth and artificial teeth to complete your smile. If you are missing all or almost all of your teeth, your dentist will probably provide you with a set of complete removable dentures to wear. Once you start wearing the dentures, no one will be able to tell that your teeth are not natural because they give you a very natural tooth appearance.
To learn more about your options to replace a missing tooth or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Sterling Heights today.
Dental Implants
The longest lasting option you have for replacing a missing tooth is for your dentist to install a dental implant into your mouth. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is installed in the bone socket of your missing tooth and directly attached to your jawbone. Once the implant is put in, it will act as an anchor for a replacement crown that is attached to it. After your dentist attaches the dental implant to your jawbone, you will then have to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant. During this time, the implant will be further secured to your jaw and become a permanent part of your mouth. After the crown is installed, your implant and crown can last 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime.
Dental Bridges
Another popular way to replace a missing tooth is with a dental bridge. A dental bridge is an artificial replacement tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To put a bridge in, your dentist will first have to anesthetize the area and then file down the two teeth that will receive crowns. After this, your dentist will take an impression of the area in order to create a bridge that will fit perfectly to your teeth. Once your permanent bridge arrives, your dentist will do a final check to make sure the color and fit are correct then he or she will permanently attach your bridge to your mouth. Once put in, a bridge can last 15 years or more.
Dentures
If you have lost multiple teeth, your dentist may decide that a set of dentures is the best option for you. If you have lost only several teeth, he or she will probably give you a set of partial dentures. Partial dentures use a combination of your natural teeth and artificial teeth to complete your smile. If you are missing all or almost all of your teeth, your dentist will probably provide you with a set of complete removable dentures to wear. Once you start wearing the dentures, no one will be able to tell that your teeth are not natural because they give you a very natural tooth appearance.
To learn more about your options to replace a missing tooth or to schedule an appointment, contact your dentist in Sterling Heights today.
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