Whether caused by years of decay or a sudden injury, a lost tooth can be a very stressful event. If you find yourself in this situation, you do not have to panic. Thanks to modern dental techniques and technology, your dentist has the capability to fully replace your missing tooth and restore your smile. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist immediately if you find yourself in a situation where you are in need of a replacement tooth. 

Dental Implants

The longest lasting tooth replacement option that you have is through the use of dental implants. A dental implant is a replacement tooth root that is directly attached to your jawbone. Once it is secured in place, it acts as an anchor for a replacement dental crown. After your dentist installs the titanium implant, you will need to wait between six and twelve weeks for your gums to heal around the implant. When the healing process is completed, your dentist will take an impression in order to create a dental crown that will fit in perfectly with your teeth. When the crown is ready, your dentist will attach it to the implant to complete the procedure. Once installed, an implant can last up to 25 years or in some cases an entire lifetime. 

Dental Bridges

Another popular way to replace a missing tooth is through the use of a dental bridge. A bridge is an artificial replacement tooth that is held in place on either side by dental crowns. To put a bridge in, your dentist will begin by anesthetizing the area and reducing the size of the two teeth that will receive dental crowns. After this, an impression is taken to create a bridge that will fit perfectly in your mouth. You will wear a temporary bridge in between appointments so you do not have a gap in your teeth. When the permanent bridge arrives, your dentist will do a final

check then cement it into place. Once put in, a bridge generally can last about 15 years. 

Dentures

If you have lost many or all of your teeth, your dentist may recommend you get a set of dentures. If you have just lost several teeth, your dentist may give you a set of partial dentures. Partial dentures use a combination of artificial teeth and your natural teeth to complete your smile. If you have lost all of almost all of your teeth, your dentist will give you a set of complete removable dentures. These will fully replicate all of your teeth. 

To learn more about your options to replace a missing tooth or to schedule an appointment, contact your Marlboro dentist today.