Having a missing tooth can be a total disruption to your beautiful smile. Having that space in your mouth will totally leave you self-conscious and can inhibit you from living your best life.
If the tooth fairy has once again claimed your tooth now that you are an adult, worry not! Replacement can be found at a dental clinic near you.
Visit a dentist in East st Paul so he/she can recommend the best option for you. But if you want to read up on tooth replacement in advance, here are 5 options you can consider to replace your missing tooth/teeth:
1. Removable Partial Denture
This option is the most economical among all the options. It can be used to replace one missing tooth or more.
A removable partial denture is attached using metal clasps – which poses a disadvantage because it can be seen every time you smile or speak. There are also cases where the removable partial denture can move around slightly which can make it uncomfortable when you speak or eat.
If you go with this option, you have to take the denture out at night and soak it in a cleaning solution.
2. Temporary Denture
From the name itself, this denture is just temporary. This is used if you really want to have a bridge or a dental implant, but the area still needs to heal.
This temporary denture is also known as a flipper mainly because it is very convenient to flip it in and out. It differs from the removable partial denture as it is only a short-term solution. it is less sturdy, more lightweight, and less expensive (on a short-term basis).
There is also no need to alter the surrounding teeth if you choose this option.
3. Bridge
This option is only possible if there is enough support for the artificial tooth/teeth. This can be done when there are still teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.
The advantage of choosing to have a bridge is its longevity, it is cemented and does not need to come out of your mouth. Also, if the teeth next to the gap require other restorative dental procedures like a crown or a filling, then opting for a bridge is like hitting two birds with one stone.
However, its disadvantage is that this procedure involves cutting down the “support” teeth even if they are perfectly healthy. There is also a possibility that bridges attached to the lower jaw do not last as long since they usually flex or move. If you have an unbendable bridge, it can result in a leak that can allow decay or bacteria in.
4. Dental Implant
Dental implants in Winnipeg are another option. The best-known advantage of choosing this option is that implants look and act like natural tooth, so you won’t have a problem with smiling, speaking, or eating. There is also no need to alter any teeth unlike that of a bridge.
A dental implant replaces the actual root and allows the bone to heal for a few months. When the bone is healed, a crown is then placed to complete the procedure.
5. Do nothing
Yes, you’ve read that right. Do nothing. This is an option to explore when the bone melts away and the surrounding teeth will move to fill the gap. Even with this option, there is still a need to visit a dentist for a proper consultation as it might lead to problems like bone loss or tooth decay.
Whether you choose to have dentures in Winnipeg or have a dental implant, the best option needs to be discussed with your dentist. They have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to recommend the most effective solution for your missing tooth problem.