Tooth loss is problematic for a patient’s smile in a number of ways: aesthetically, functionally, and in terms of long-term health. One of the best things that you as a patient can do if you’re dealing with tooth loss is to seek prompt and effective restorative treatment. The sooner that you replace your missing tooth, the better it is for your smile as a whole.
There are a number of tooth replacement treatments available in dentistry today. Our Glendale dentists are proud to be at the forefront of this technology; we can help you reclaim a healthy and whole smile. Keep reading to learn more about the treatments available.
Tooth loss has traditionally been treated with dentures and bridges. These restorative options are certainly still available. Dental prostheses today are customizable in shape, size, and color, so that the end results fit the individual patient exceptionally well.
One of the most exciting advancements in restorative dentistry is that now our dental team can permanently ground dental prostheses in our patients’ smiles. Using small dental implant roots, we are able to keep a dental prosthetic in place permanently. As you would imagine, this makes it easier for the patient to speak and eat, and it makes the replacement teeth look even more natural than they would otherwise.
Individual dental implants have also revolutionized tooth replacement dentistry. A dental implant is a stand-alone replacement tooth; every implant has a root, which extends into the patient’s jawbone, as well as a natural looking dental crown that is visible on top of the gum tissue. Because dental implant roots are made of titanium, they actually begin to bond to the patient’s jawbone tissue over time. Dental implants not only stay in place 24/7, they also help to support the surrounding jawbone and help prevent tissue deterioration.
The specific type of tooth replacement treatment that ends up being right for you will depend on a number of factors, including the current state of your smile, your treatment timeline, and your long-term dental goals. Our Glendale dental implant dentists are here to help you make these important decisions, so give us a call when you are ready to get started!