Losing a tooth is unfortunate. It can cause the rest of your teeth to shift, affect your ability to chew your food, and change the appearance of your smile.

Fortunately, advances in dentistry have created some helpful solutions to replace a missing tooth.

Dental Implant

If you want an effective and permanent way to replace a missing tooth, a dental implant will do the trick. The implant is surgically placed directly into the jawbone where it will fuse and become a part of your mouth.

The process does take several months, as the implant needs to heal and fuse before the crown can be put into place, but for many people, the time is worth it.

Bridge

A bridge is an option when you have a single missing tooth, as this restoration requires the teeth to remain on either side of the gap. A bridge is a fixed restoration that is cemented into the mouth, and it connects an abutment tooth between the two remaining teeth.

Some people shy away from this option because it requires the natural teeth to be shaved down to make room for the restoration.

Removable Partial Dentures

A removable partial denture can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. It involves metal clasps that help the replacement toot to stay in the mouth. Unfortunately, it isn’t a very sturdy option, and the metal pieces may be visible when you smile, speak, or eat.

However, if you want a dental restoration that you can take out regularly, especially for cleaning, a removable bridge is a good solution. Plus, it fits over the existing teeth without any filing or shaving.

You don’t have to be embarrassed by your missing tooth any longer. Give us a call today to learn about treatments that can restore the appearance and function of your smile.