Given the advances in modern dentistry, you now have several different options for replacing a tooth that has been lost or extracted. From traditional dental bridges and dentures to advanced dental implant prosthetics, we can create a lifelike restoration that rebuilds your smile and restores its beautiful, youthful appearance. Still, the most effective way to preserve your smile is to retain all of your natural, healthy teeth. To do so, though, you must understand the important points about adult tooth loss, including how best to replace the teeth you’ve lost.
Is adult tooth loss inevitable?
More than half of adults in the United States have lost at least one permanent tooth. Unfortunately, adult teeth do not grow back, and the space they leave in your smile can affect its appearance as well as your bite’s health and function. The good news is that tooth loss is not inevitable; usually, it is the cause of accidental trauma, or the severe progression of a preventable dental issue, like gum disease.
What could happen if I don’t replace the lost tooth?
Whether or not you replace a lost tooth is up to you. If it doesn’t affect your smile’s appearance too severely, then replacing it might not seem like a priority. However, not addressing tooth loss could have negative consequences for your dental health, such as remaining teeth shifting out of place or your jawbone losing density due to the missing tooth.
Do I qualify for dental implants?
Often, dental implants are the most effective choice for replacing lost teeth. The small titanium posts are inserted into the jawbone and utilized to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture, creating lifelike root support for your replacement teeth. You may qualify for dental implants if your teeth and gums are healthy, and if your jawbone still retains enough density to support the implant posts.