The How And Why Of Replacing A Lost Tooth

Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience, especially when it happens as an adult. When you are a child, the experience is usually capped off by a visit from the Tooth Fairy and some money under your pillow. When you are an adult, there is no such luck. With the exception of your wisdom teeth, adult teeth that are lost should be replaced. Even just one missing tooth can cause bone loss, speech impairment, a loss of function to chewing and biting, and make a huge impact on your appearance. Tooth replacement can stop these issues and restore your smile.

The How

There are many restorative options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth. The most important part of the equation is the dental implant. A dental implant can replace the roots of a missing tooth to prevent bone loss. A dental implant is a titanium post that can anchor the restoration atop of it, such as a crown. The prosthetic restorations on top of an implant will do the work of replacing the tooth’s appearance and function. A crown can be crafted to blend in seamlessly and replace a single tooth. A bridge is a good option to miss one or more adjoining teeth. Dentures are a good option when several teeth are missing; dentures can be full or partial depending on the amount of teeth missing. Dentures can also be anchored by implants to prevent bone loss in the jaw.

The Why

Not only does a missing tooth affect the look of your smile and your chewing and speaking functions, it also endangers the rest of your healthy teeth. A tooth’s roots stimulate your jaw to keep minerals flowing to the bone. Without that stimulation, bone resorption or bone loss can happen in the jaw. Over time, the jaw will soften and change shape. This softening of the jaw will create a weak foundation for the teeth surrounding the missing tooth. Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant will prevent the foundation from weakening and lessen the risk to the healthy teeth.

It is very important to replace a missing tooth

Discuss your replacement options with Dr. Vahadi. To schedule a consultation, call Lone Star Dental Care in Frisco, TX, at 972-335-7100. We proudly welcome patients from Frisco and all surrounding communities, including Dallas, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, The Colony, Carrollton, Lewisville, and more.