While cosmetic dentistry can often repair a chipped or cracked tooth, there are times when the tooth is so damaged that it needs to go. Along with the decision to extract the tooth, the patient will want to explore options for replacing it. Here are three possibilities that you want to discuss with your dentist before making a choice.
1. A Fixed Dental Bridge
Dental bridges are designed to fill in the gap left after one more teeth are extracted. The typical design includes a denture that is custom sized to fill in the space, plus some way to anchor the denture to the teeth on each side of the gap. Today, the anchors are usually hollow crowns that fit completely over and adhere to the teeth on each side of the gap.
If you choose this option, your dentist will ensure the bridge is sized properly. It’s also possible to tint the material so it blends in perfectly with the shade of the surrounding teeth.
This approach provides the advantage of more stability and looking quite a bit like real teeth. Keep in mind that the teeth on each side of the gap will require some preparation. That could mean a little grinding and removing some enamel in order to make sure the crowns adhere properly.
2. A Removable Partial Denture
This type of denture is held in place with clasps or loops that fit over the teeth on each side of the gap. Like a permanent bridge, it’s possible to fill in a gap for a single tooth or for a couple of teeth. This approach is usually less expensive and does not require making any alterations to the surrounding teeth.
Keep in mind that while this solution is workable, hiding the clasps or loops is difficult. If you don’t mind the impact on the smile and are more interested in function, this is a choice worth considering.
3. A Dental Implant
Dental implants in Scottsdale AZ have become increasingly popular over the last decade or so, and with good reason. Implants do not just fill in a gap and there is no need to make any special preparations to the surrounding teeth. There are also no clasps or loops to contend with.
Implants are designed to occupy the socket vacated by real teeth. The main body of the implant is embedded in the gum and fuses with the jawbone. The portion that remains above the gum line is covered with a crown or cap that’s designed to look like a real tooth. When the work is completed, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between a natural tooth and the implant.
A dental implant offers benefits that are hard to come by any other way. They are a more permanent solution. You could easily live the rest of your life without needing to replace it. That implant also helps to preserve the density and integrity of the bone. There is no shifting or shrinking that could alter the contours of your face. You’ll also find that implants require little to no changes in your usual dental hygiene efforts.
If one or more of your teeth have to go, discuss these three options with your cosmetic dentist. ait won’t take long to settle on the solution that’s right for you.
