Just one lost tooth is all it takes to compromise everyday habits like eating and speaking. If you are missing a tooth, it can force you to adjust how you chew your food. It may also cause you to be self-conscious and try to avoid exposing the absence when you speak or smile. An absence can also have negative affects on your jawbone, and robs neighboring teeth of support. Prosthetic dentistry offers several ways for your dentist to restore your complete smile. A dental bridge can close a gap in your teeth. To remedy the loss of the tooth root, you can receive a dental implant to support your prosthetic.

Tooth Loss Can Leave Neighboring Teeth Vulnerable

A tooth without a neighbor has less security in its placement. It can be more vulnerable to movement, and eventually might loosen to the point where it can be lost. A dental bridge replaces a lost tooth by placing crowns on the adjacent teeth, which help hold a pontic (a replacement tooth or teeth) in its proper position. A bridge can replace one or several adjacent lost teeth.

Tooth Loss And Your Jawbone

The loss of a tooth robs important stimulation to your jawbone. In the absence of this stimulation, you may suffer a loss of bone density. A dental implant fuses to your jawbone, and mimics the role of a tooth root. Its presence can stop the bone surrounding the socket from receding.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation

If you are dealing with multiple problems with your oral health, your dentist can work with you to bring your smile back. With full mouth rehabilitation, you can work with your dentist to develop a plan that restores lost teeth, and addresses the health of your remaining teeth.