Can missing teeth be replaced by a dentist?
At Coptfold Dental we know that the loss of a tooth can have a significant impact on your oral health and your self-confidence. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers various solutions to restore missing teeth, with dental implants being perhaps one of the most recommended options. In consultation with our dentist in Brentwood, following a thorough mouth examination and a discussion about relevant dental and medical history, it may be that dental implants are recommended as a restoration for your missing tooth or teeth. If it is determined that you are not a suitable candidate for these though, don’t worry, there are other restorative options which may be more appropriate for meeting your needs.
Dental implants are becoming increasingly well known for providing a long-lasting and natural-looking solution to missing teeth, allowing individuals to regain their smile and enjoy improved oral function. They can be used in a range of instances including a tooth being knocked out, or to replace a tooth being extracted by our dentist in Brentwood.
Understanding dental implants
Dental implants are made up of three parts. The artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone, the abutment which is what the visible dental prosthesis is adhered to and the prosthesis itself. Made of titanium, the screws can fuse with your surrounding jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This can help to ensure a stable foundation for the replacement tooth is established, promoting its longevity and functionality.
Uses of dental implants
These restorations can offer you a versatile solution for various dental conditions. They can be utilised for replacing a single missing tooth, multiple teeth, or even a full arch of your teeth. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other factors, dental implants can provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration if you are a suitable candidate for them. Our dentist in Brentwood would be pleased to discuss your unique individual needs with you and help you find a treatment path going forwards.
Single tooth replacement
If you are missing a single tooth, a screw can be inserted into your jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. Once this has integrated with the bone during a healing period, an abutment is placed on top of it, which connects the implant to the replacement tooth, known as a dental crown (in the case of a single tooth replacement). These visible prosthetics can be tailor made to closely match your natural teeth in shape and size, resulting in a natural-looking restoration.
Multiple teeth replacement
If you have multiple adjacent missing teeth, our dentist can also use the screws to support dental bridges. In such circumstances, dental bridges may be anchored to dental implants on either side of the gap, ‘bridging’ the space. This approach eliminates the need for adjacent healthy teeth to be used as anchors, preserving their integrity.
Full arch replacement
If you have complete tooth loss in one or both arches you may be able to benefit from full arch dental implants. Our dentist can strategically place the screws, meaning an entire arch of teeth can be supported by just a few implants. This approach, commonly known as implant-supported dentures, can offer a secure solution for those seeking whole mouth restorations.