As dentists, Jersey Shore Dentists at Century Dental in Jackson, Seaview Dental in Eatontown, or Seaview Dental Stafford in Manahawkin, on the Jersey Shore, we care about your teeth. The point of preventative dental care is to ensure your teeth stay healthy and beautiful throughout your lifetime. We’ve discussed how your teeth age in detail here in our blog, as well as other ways to care for your teeth, such as dental skin grafts, that are important as you age.
That being said, sometimes even the best intentions can’t prevent tooth loss. Whether you’ve had a tooth knocked out accidentally or your tooth is just infected and needs to be removed, there are options in modern dentistry when you lose a tooth.
Century Dental is the best local dentist on the Jersey Shore. With our three convenient dental offices ready to serve you, we do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Furthermore, our appointments are cognizant of your time, and we run an efficient office so you can get in and out and on with your day. Century Dental cares. Keep reading below for options when you lose a tooth, and then call us today for your next dental treatment!
OPTIONS FOR WHEN YOU LOSE A TOOTH
Removable Partial Denture
Like the name implies, a removable partial denture is much like a retainer. A removable partial denture is usually used to replace one or more teeth in the same arch that are not next to each other. It is usually made from an acrylic base with a metal framework that may be visible while speaking or smiling. The metal clasps usually fit over some of your existing teeth to hold it in place.
Century Dental notes that removable partial dentures are less expensive than fixed bridges or implants and are very effective at filling in gaps in your teeth. You will be able to talk better, eat comfortably, and have a great smile. However, removable partial dentures can move around, especially while eating. They also won’t function as well as your natural teeth, and they may not be as natural looking as other tooth loss options. You have to take them out at night, clean them thoroughly, and they can break easily.
Bridge
A bridge is the permanent option to a removable partial denture. A bridge also needs to have regular teeth on either side of the missing tooth in order to work. There are two types of bridges: implant-supported fixed bridge or a tooth-supported fixed bridge
- Implant-Supported Fixed Bridge. This type of bridge restores several missing teeth, including a whole arch if need be. These teeth are cemented or screwed into place. Sometimes the bridge will be screwed onto the implants, which makes it easier to retrieve the bridge for cleaning. These screw holes are covered up with resin that is the color of your teeth so you can’t see them. The benefits of implant-supported fixed bridges are that they feel and look very natural, making it easy to speak and eat virtually anything. They look great. They can be brushed and flossed. The cost is lower than with a dental implant. They can last for years without replacing. No teeth grinding is involved.
- Tooth-Supported Fixed Bridge. This is a very common solution for missing teeth. This bridge is permanently cemented into place and involves two crowns for the teeth next to the missing tooth. Many types of materials are used to make this type of bridge from gold, metal alloys, or porcelain. This type of bridge has many benefits, including having a feel and function like your real teeth and easy maintenance. This is a cost effective alternative to implants, but more expensive than removable dentures. The teeth adjacent to the gap must be ground down to support the bridge, which you can’t ever replace the healthy tooth once it’s done. You must thoroughly clean your fixed bridge as food can become trapped underneath the fake tooth portion. This is a non-surgical alternative to implant surgery.
HOW CENTURY DENTAL CAN HELP WHEN YOU LOSE A TOOTH
There are many options when you lose a tooth, including bridges and removable partial dentures. Stay tuned for part two of this series where we will take a look at even more alternatives for when you lose a tooth. Call our Jersey Shore Dentists at Century Dental in Jackson, Seaview Dental in Eatontown, or Seaview Dental Stafford in Manahawkin for your next dental treatment appointment!
