Your dentist intends to help you keep your best possible smile. Part of this commitment is helping to restore teeth that have been damaged, or replacing lost teeth. A number of factors could lead to these problems. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss, and your teeth could also suffer physical damage from an injury, or due to excessive teeth clenching. Addressing dental problems can help you enjoy comfortable jaw function, improve your appearance, and reduce your risks for further problems.
Factors That Could Lead To Tooth Loss Or Damage
A number of issues could cause significant problems to a tooth or teeth. Advanced gum disease can erode the bone and soft tissue that are holding teeth in their place, and cause them to be lost. If you suffer from bruxism, or frequent jaw clenching, you could cause significant damage to your teeth. In some cases, this damage could result in their loss. Physical injury can also lead to dental woes.
Protecting Damaged Teeth
An injured or damaged tooth can often be guarded by a dental crown. The crown covers the tooth to the gum line, and can offer both protection and coverage for signs of damage. If the affected tooth is in an especially visible area, you can receive a ceramic crown, which has a realistic appearance.
Options For Replacing Lost Teeth
There are several prosthetic responses to tooth loss. A dental bridge can restore a smile missing one tooth, or a few adjacent teeth. The bridge is supported on either side by dental crowns. For more advanced tooth loss, you can receive either partial dentures, or full dentures.