If you have lost a tooth, you are likely aware of how important your teeth are to your appearance, smile, and the way that you chew food. Losing a tooth in the front of your mouth might make you feel self-conscious. If you lose a tooth in the back of your mouth, it can cause your cheeks to shift, making you look older than you are. Fortunately, it is possible to replace a single tooth in such a way that it will be unnoticeable to others and will allow you to smile in the same way that you used to smile. At Olympic Dental, we offer general dentistry in Sugar Land that can help to restore the beauty and health of your teeth.
Single tooth dental implants and crowns
The best way to replace a tooth is to use a single dental implant and crown. If you do not replace a lost tooth, it can cause your other teeth to shift and can lead to tooth decay. A dental implant and crown is the best choice if your tooth is missing and its root is damaged.
The dental implant that is used to replace a single tooth is one unit. This means that everything is installed at the same time. In most cases, people can return to their jobs the day that follows the dental implant procedure.
What to expect with a dental implant and crown
Getting a dental implant and crown will require three visits to your dentist. During the first appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth and take x-rays. The second visit is when the implant will be installed. It will take a couple of months to be fully integrated into your jawbone, so you should expect some intervening time before you get your crown. During the third visit, the crown will be attached to the implant. Your new tooth will function in the same way that your other teeth do.
Other single tooth replacement options
There are also some other single tooth replacement options available if you determine that a dental implant and crown is not the right choice for you. These alternatives include a fixed bridge that is attached to your adjoining teeth, a partial denture, or a resin-bonded bridge.
If you choose a traditional bridge, your dentist will grind down the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. This is done to support your bridge. Bridges have good functionality and aesthetics. However, getting a fixed bridge may lead to bone loss and may damage the adjacent teeth.
A partial denture is removable and is not a permanent solution. Since you can take a denture out, it may loosen in your mouth and cause problems for you when you eat certain foods. Removable dentures are made out of plastic so they do not appear like real teeth. However, one benefit of a removable denture is that it will not cause damage to your adjacent teeth.
A resin-bonded bridge is made out of ceramic, which gives the tooth a more natural-looking appearance. It can be installed quickly and will not cause any damage to your adjacent teeth. The bridge is bonded with resin, and it functions well. However, resin-bonded bridges eventually wear out. If you choose this option, you will likely need to have it re-installed after a couple of years.
Contact Olympic Dental for single tooth replacements
Losing a tooth can make people feel self-conscious and make them appear older. If you have lost a tooth, you may be afraid to smile and might have trouble eating the foods that you love. Fortunately, single tooth replacement options are available to you when you seek general dentistry in Sugar Land at Olympic Dental. We can discuss the different options with you and advise you on which one might work best for you. Call us today at 281.240.2545 to schedule a consultation.
Visit An Experienced Dentist!
Learn more about implants:
