In a recent blog, we discussed situations when a tooth extraction may be necessary. If you have gaps in your smile from an accident, tooth removal, or other circumstances, there are replacement options available. Implants are a prosthetic option that can permanently replace the root and crown of your missing pearly whites. Your Prairie Village, KS, dentist is here today to explain how this works.
Read more: Have A Full Smile Again With ImplantsWhy Should You Replace Missing Teeth
Each of your pearly whites plays a specific role in your ability to chew, speak, and smile. If you have lost a tooth, or had a necessary extraction, it can disrupt the function of other teeth. Missing your permanent teeth can decrease your self-confidence, make it tricky to eat certain foods, and could even change the way you speak. In addition to these problems, leaving a gap in your smile for a prolonged amount of time can cause your teeth to become misaligned.
Prosthetic Restoration Options
Thanks to modern dentistry, there are several ways that a tooth can be recovered or replaced. If you have damaged one of your pearly whites, a crown can be used to restore its functions. For patients with one or more missing teeth in the same row, bridges are a great option as well. This prosthetic is held in place by the surrounding natural teeth. It will look and function the same as your natural dentition. For patients with gaps in several areas throughout their mouth, there is also the option of dentures. Traditionally, this is a removable prosthetic that can replace a partial arch, or an entire one depending on your needs.
The Advantages Of Implants
While bridges and dentures are excellent solutions, they only replace the visible part of your missing teeth. To replace the entire tooth’s structure, an implant can be used. This process will take several appointments, but the benefits will last a lifetime.
An implant can be used to replace a missing tooth as long as you are in good health with strong enough gum and jawbone to support it. This prosthetic consists of three parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown. It will take a series of appointments over the span of several months to complete the implant. After your consultation, the post will be surgically inserted below the gumline. Then, you will need time for the post to fuse to the bone. This is how the root of the tooth is replaced. After this, the abutment can be added. This will connect the post to the crown. The crown will blend in with your smile and allow you to chew and speak with ease.
Talk To Dr. Browne About Your Options
If you have gaps in your smile, find out if you qualify for implants. To schedule a consultation, call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, today at (913) 901-8585.
