If you have lost a tooth, you may be anxious to have it restored. Lost teeth can affect your ability to chew your food properly and comfortably. Additionally, a lost tooth can cause unattractive changes to the look of your smile. 

If a tooth is lost, it is best to have it restored as soon as possible. By delaying the replacement of a tooth, you may become increasingly susceptible to other dental health concerns, such as dental migration.

The teeth are held in place by adjacent teeth that form a border, preventing dental shifting. However, once a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth can start to move out of place. The movement of a single tooth can create a domino effect that results in a significant dental misalignment that may require braces for correction.

To fill the gap from a missing tooth, your dentist may suggest a variety of dental applications. Here are several of them:

Dental Implants

A dental implant is often the preferred option when replacing a lost tooth. The implant-based restoration restores both the crown and root of the missing tooth.

A dental implant is a metal screw or rod that is inserted into the bone of the jaw at the site of the missing tooth. The implant heals into position through a process called osseointegration that allows the device to integrate or connect to the jawbone. As the bone cells grow around the device, the implant becomes increasingly stable until it can withstand the same bite pressure as a natural tooth.

The implant wound takes several months to heal completely, but after that period, the device can be topped by an abutment and a dental crown to fully restore the missing tooth. The crown color is matched to the natural color of the patient's other teeth.

Dental Bridge

A bridge is also a suitable option for replacing a lost tooth. The bridge rests at the gumline and is held in place by the device's connection to the patient's natural abutment teeth.

An abutment tooth is a tooth that borders the gap left by the lost tooth. The traditional fixed bridge contains a crown on each end of the appliance to cover and connect to the abutment teeth.

The false tooth that replaces the lost tooth lies in the center of the bridge. The false tooth and the bridge crowns are matched to the contours and color of the patient's remaining natural teeth.

If you have lost a tooth and would like to have it replaced, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area. Visit a site like http://premierdentalgrp.com/ for more help.