As a kid, losing a tooth is an exciting rite of passage that means your adult teeth will be erupting soon. But as an adult, losing a tooth can be a significant concern. Whether you have lost your teeth due to periodontal disease, an accident, or other reason, you need to replace your missing pearly whites as soon as possible to keep your smile in good health. In today’s blog, your team at Cedar West Dental in Richfield, MN, is here today to talk about your options for restoring your smile.
Preventing Tooth Loss As An Adult
Periodontal disease is one of the most common reasons that adult patients experience tooth loss. A good oral hygiene routine and regular visits to the dentist may be able to help avoid the bacterial infection that leads to gum disease. In addition to gum disease, severe decay and injuries are also leading causes for missing teeth. Although not all injuries can be avoided, you may be able to reduce your risk by wearing a mouthguard when playing contact sports. Decay can be avoided with proper oral hygiene and restorations when necessary.
Dental Bridges & Dentures
Tooth loss affects everyone differently, which is why we offer several prosthetic options to meet your needs. For patients who have lost a few of their pearly whites in the same row, a dental bridge may be the ideal solution. This prosthetic option “bridges” the gap between your teeth using crowns to support the pontic. Your bridge is secured in place, so you don’t have to remove it for cleaning or maintenance. Alternatively, a partial denture may be used to replace a few structures throughout your smile. Clasps are used to secure your dentures, and it can be removed nightly to clean. Full dentures may be used to recreate an entire arch of teeth and improve functions like talking and chewing.
Repairing A Damaged Tooth
In some cases you may not need to replace a missing tooth but rather need to repair a damaged one. Dental crowns may be helpful for this reason. The cap covers the worn down or decayed structure to protect it from further harm. Your dentist may recommend a crown after a root canal procedure, large filling, or if your teeth have been worn down due to bruxism (teeth grinding). Your crown may be made of materials such as porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, depending on where it will be placed. The goal is to add protection to the weakened or damaged area while also looking lifelike.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
You don’t have to live with gaps in your smile. To learn more about your options for replacing your missing teeth, call Cedar West Dental in Richfield, MN, today at 612) 861-7188.
