Losing teeth can be a distressing and uncomfortable experience, and we urge you to see a dentist as soon as a tooth has become dislodged. Spa Dental Sydney CBD has an emergency dentist department, so if you need to see a dentist urgently, then there are programmes in place. If you have a gap in your teeth that you have had for years, it is also not too late to see a dentist, and there are many treatments available today that provide a useful replacement.
What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
There are multiple ways to replace a missing or broken tooth. If the tooth root remains, then a crown or veneer can be added to the tooth, to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance and protection in the future. Veneers and crowns are made from porcelain, which is extremely durable, so they will last for many years.
If multiple teeth are missing, then these can be replaced by dentures or bridges. Dentures work well if an entire row is missing, perhaps due to gum disease, and can be secured with adhesive to avoid slippage. Bridges are a good option if a few teeth in a row need to be replaced. These can also be secured into place with crowns on either side, to provide an anchor so the bridge stays firmly in place.
Dental Implants
One of the most certain and permanent ways to replace lost teeth is a dental implant. Dental implants are one of the surest ways to replace a tooth, and if maintained correctly, can last an entire lifetime. A dental implant works by inserting a titanium screw directly into the jawbone. The bone will subsequently grow into the screw, securing it in place, to which a crown can be added to become a substitute tooth. Implants can also be used to anchor in bridges, and provide as a foundation to dentures, being fitted with an attachable segment, so the dentures can be removed at will, but without any danger of slippage.
Can everyone get dental implants?
Not everyone can get dental implants. Dental implants require a certain amount of jawbone in order to be secure enough. They can also be an expensive procedure, and many people will prefer a bridge or a crown, which will be considerably cheaper. If you do not have enough jawbone to carry out a successful dental implant, then you can receive a bone graft, which will take some bone from your chin or hip (or in some cases from an animal) and use that to rebuild some of the bone in the jaw. This will then provide a stronger foundation for the implant to sit.
If you are not keen on this treatment, but are still interested in implants, then zygomatic implants are also an option, which insert into the slightly denser zygomas, or cheekbones, to provide a much stronger foundation to your new teeth.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
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