A missing tooth is a problem faced by many people. If you are looking for a solution, then finding the right cosmetic dentist is your first step. Cosmetic dentistry specifically deals with problems such as lost or damaged teeth so that they can repair it.
Repairing teeth is important for two reasons:
- It brings back the natural ability of teeth to chew on food which is important for the digestive system. Properly chewed food leads to better and more efficient digesting, which fuels the body better.
- It gives back a smile of confidence for the person. People are very ashamed when they have a missing tooth and neglect to smile. Fixing a chipped or missing tooth helps aesthetically as well.
Once you find the right cosmetic dentist, the next step is to choose the best approach to take in filling the missing tooth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered as the gold standard when it comes to fixing damaged or broken teeth. This process involves crafting a new tooth for the person and a crown is placed on it. For this to be successful, there should be enough healthy jawbone for the implant to anchor on to. It is also best if the adjacent gums and teeth are healthy as well for best results of the procedure.
Talk to your cosmetic dentist to understand the systemic health requirements for this procedure and if your situation fits it.
Pros of Dental Implants
- Aesthetically pleasing since it is the closest to a tooth replacement.
- Function and reliability are best achieved through dental implants.
- It stimulates the jawbone so it can rebuild itself.
- The procedure will not compromise the integrity of adjacent teeth.
- This decreases the risk of periodontal or gum disease.
Cons of Dental Implants
- As you can imagine, it is the most expensive procedure of a cosmetic dentist for lost tooth replacement. But, since it is very durable, it can be more cost effective in the long term.
- This is a minor surgery, and it takes some time to fully heal.
Fixed Partial Denture
Before dental implants, the fixed partial denture or fixed bridge was the standard procedure when it comes to lost tooth replacement. In this procedure, the two healthy teeth on either side of the gap are crowned so it will support the new false tooth which will replace the lost one. This has been a very popular procedure and it is still a viable solution for missing teeth.
Pros of Fixed Partial Denture
- Aesthetically and functionally, it works well and looks good.
- There is less waiting time as compared to dental implants. The procedure is faster overall.
- When it comes to cost, it is more cost effective compared to getting dental implants.
Cons of Fixed Partial Denture
- It may cause damage to the adjacent teeth since the procedure shapes them to fit a crown on them.
- There is a bigger chance that the teeth will experience decay, so maintenance is a bit more tedious.
- The jawbone underneath can deteriorate overtime.
Removable Partial Denture
The removable partial denture, or RPD, is a procedure from a cosmetic dentist that uses an artificial tooth that is anchored by plastic, which mimics the mouth’s gums. It is then attached with metal clasps which hook onto adjacent teeth. Because of this, it can be removed easily for cleaning.
Pros of a Removable Partial Denture
- It is the least expensive option for lost and missing teeth.
- Functionality wise, it works well.
Cons of Removable Partial Denture
- It is susceptible to gum disease.
- Users may experience stability issues.
- The teeth can become loose overtime.
- The jawbone underneath can experience decay and deterioration.
When it comes to lost or missing teeth, a cosmetic dentist is your best bet in order to restore it. There are several options to choose from which can fit your needs and wants.
We have the tools, equipment, expertise, and experience to handle your cosmetic dentistry needs. Complete our contact form or call us at (714) 542-2224 to schedule an appointment!