5-30-16
Tooth loss has serious consequences. Our goal as dental health care professionals are to restore a patient’s mouth before these consequences occur. Restoration includes restoring function, esthetics, speech, comfort, and maintaining health. When a tooth is lost, several things happen. Chewing function changes, speech is affected, esthetics change, teeth shift, and bone levels drop over time. The level of the bone in our mouths is dependent upon having teeth. When teeth are missing the body begins to resorb the bone that was once there.
Until just recently we could address function, speech, esthetics, and shifting but with the addition of dental implants in modern dentistry, we can now address bone loss as well. Options to replace missing teeth include three different options.
Our first and most popular solution for tooth replacement is implant dentistry. An implant is a titanium post that infuses into the bone providing an anchor for a replacement tooth. An implant addresses esthetics, function, tooth movement, and prevention of bone loss.
Another option for tooth replacement is a fixed bridge. A bridge is custom made in a dental lab and once complete is a permanent cemented fixture. It is cemented to the adjacent teeth. This option requires the adjacent teeth to be ground down in order to support the bridge. This options addresses esthetics, functions, and tooth movement. This option does not address bone loss.
And finally, dentures are an option for tooth replacement. Dentures are the least desirable option for tooth replacement. Dentures are not permanently cemented into place but they will address the esthetics, function, and tooth movement concerns.
Your dental health professional will help guide you to the option that is best for you. Lima, New Bremen, and Spencerville Dental Associates are eager to help you! Give us a call at 419-228-4036.
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!