Every smile is unique, and so are the patterns of tooth loss; therefore, replacement teeth must be custom-designed to match your smile’s unique specifications. Nevertheless, whether you’ve lost one, several, or all of your teeth, dental implants can significantly improve the effectiveness of your replacement teeth. In addition to providing improved support, implants also do more to preserve the rest of your oral health and help you prevent further tooth loss.
One Lost Tooth
Though a single tooth may not have as much of a visual impact as several missing teeth, the loss can still have disastrous effects on your oral health if left untreated. Traditionally, a single lost tooth can be replaced with a dental bridge; however, in most cases, your dentist may recommend a dental crown situated on a dental implant. Unlike a dental bridge, an implant-supported crown can replace a lost tooth’s root as well as its crown structure.
Adjacent Lost Teeth
No tooth loss is ideal, but when it comes to multiple lost teeth, replacement is often simpler if the teeth in question are neatly lined up together. If so, a dental bridge can be crafted with the appropriate number of replacement teeth positioned between two dental crowns. Fastened to either side of the dental bridge, the crowns are attached to healthy teeth adjacent to the gap, called abutment teeth. Alternatively, your dentist can fasten a dental bridge to one or more dental implants, improving the bridge’s support and avoiding the need to disturb healthy tooth structure.
Scattered Lost Teeth
If you’ve lost several teeth in what seems like random areas, or if you’ve lost all of your teeth on one or both dental ridges, then a partial denture or full denture (respectively) is probably your best option for restoring your smile’s beauty and function. Typically, dentures are secured on a plastic, gum-colored base that sits on your dental ridge. Using a series of dental implants, however, your dentist can provide more stable, lifelike dentures that look and function better than their traditional counterparts.
ABOUT YOUR AUSTIN, MN, DENTIST:
Our team offers our patients and their family access to comprehensive dental care, including general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. To schedule an appointment with the Potach and Mitchell Dental Clinic, contact our Austin, MN dental office today by calling 507-437-6312. Our office welcomes patients from Austin, MN and surrounding communities.
