Is it Time to Replace That Missing Tooth?

Was replacing a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth one of your New Year’s resolutions this year? If so, what are you waiting for? It is the beginning of March. If you have lost a tooth due to tooth decay, infection, gum disease, trauma or any other reason and have been putting off replacing it due to cost or fear of the dentist, now is the time to replace it!

Failure to replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth can lead to a variety of serious dental health problems and can threaten the health of your remaining teeth. For starters, a missing tooth leaves a place where bacteria can accumulate and contribute to periodontal disease and other problems. Also, if you leave a space in your jaw, the other teeth in your mouth will shift to fill the space. This can cause your teeth to shift out of proper alignment and lead to a variety of other dental health issues. Perhaps the most serious consequence of failing to replace missing teeth is the fact that it can lead to irreversible bone loss in your jaw.

So, the question becomes, how do you replace a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth? When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are a variety of options to be considered including a fixed dental bridge, partial dentures, full dentures and dental implant-supported crowns and bridges.

Dental implants are a revolutionary tooth replacement solution that can be used to replace one, several or all of your teeth. While this option is more expensive than the other options, it also offers many benefits that the other tooth replacement options do not offer. Dental implants provide a long-term, fixed solution to missing teeth and provide for replacement teeth that look, feel and function like normal teeth. Dental implants can be used to support a crown or a fixed dental bridge. In some cases, dental implants can even be used to support dentures.

For many, the ability to have replacement teeth that look and feel like natural teeth and the ability to eat all the foods they love without worry is priceless. While dental implants are not completely covered by most dental insurance plans, many dental practices offer in-house and/or flexible financing plans to help cover the cost. Your flexible savings account (FSA) can also be used toward the cost of dental implants.

Your dentist or oral surgeon is the best person to help you decide which tooth replacement option works the best for your particular situation. Don’t put your dental health at risk by failing to replace one or more missing teeth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today