Replace Missing Teeth: What Are Your Options?
Many people practice good oral hygiene habits and take precautions to preserve their oral health. Despite these habits, tooth loss remains as one of the most common dental complications we treat at our dental practice, The Smile Center, which serves the Virginia Beach, VA, area.
Tooth loss has a big impact on the appearance of the smile, but it is also detrimental to oral functions, and can lead to further dental complications. Our dentists offer multiple restorations to replace missing teeth and rebuild a healthy, functional smile. Treatment options include dental implants, which replace the roots of a tooth.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that can be used to replace a single missing tooth or a set of up to three teeth that have been lost from the same area of the mouth. A dental bridge is made up of three parts: two dental crowns and a pontic piece. The pontic piece is the restoration that sits between the natural teeth to fill in the area left by tooth loss. A pontic can be made to resemble one tooth or several teeth. The pontic is held in place by two dental crowns, one on either side of the pontic. The dental crowns are bonded to the natural teeth directly adjacent to the area of tooth loss. Dental bridges are strong and attractive restorations, and because they are anchored by dental crowns, they fit comfortably and securely.
Dentures
Dentures are a viable missing teeth treatment for those of our Virginia Beach patients who have experienced substantial tooth loss. Dentures can be made as partials or full sets so they can address widespread tooth loss, including the loss of an entire arch of teeth or a full set of teeth.
Dentures are removable restorations. They consist of a plastic base that resembles the gumline, and artificial teeth. Partial dentures have a thin wire frame that hook around the natural teeth to hold them in place. Full dentures sit atop the gumline where they create suction that holds them in place. For further security, patients can use a denture adhesive.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the only treatment that replaces the roots and crowns of missing teeth. This is important because it allows our Virginia Beach patients to preserve the integrity of the jaw bone. When a tooth goes missing, the root system is lost as well, so the tissues beneath the area are no longer stimulated. Over time, this leads to bone degeneration. Dental implants sit in the jaw where they act as artificial tooth roots. They continue to provide the stimulation necessary to maintain healthy bone tissues.
In addition to being the only tooth loss treatment to prevent bone degeneration, dental implants offer a number of other advantages that set them apart from other dental restorations. Some of the greatest benefits of dental implants include:
- Versatility (dental implants can replace anything from a single missing tooth to a full set of teeth)
- Superior comfort
- Enhanced stability
- Ease of care
- Long-lasting durability
- Natural and attractive appearance
Contact Us
At The Smile Center patients can find a range of treatments for missing teeth to restore the health, function, and beauty of the smile. If you would like more information about the tooth loss treatments offered by our dental team, contact us online or call (757) 473-8482 to schedule an appointment.
