Missing tooth is usually caused by tooth decay, gum disease, an injury, or genetic condition. Despite the cause, if you want to replace a lost tooth or adjust to cover the gap caused by them in your mouth, there are different treatments available.

Here are some of the available treatments with their pros and cons;

Dental implants

Dental implants are usually employed if you need to replace just one tooth or many teeth from different parts of your mouth. The dentist will mount a titanium metal frame or post into your upper or lower jaw for this treatment. On this frame,the replacement tooth will be placed.

Dental implants are a permanent base for prosthetic teeth.

Pros of dental implants

The most important advantage of using dental implants to replace a lost tooth is that they look close to your natural teeth and can last for decades.

Another is that the treatment doesn't involve your nearby tooth, as in the case of bridges.

Cons of dental implants

This procedure is a surgical treatment, and you need to have good physical health to recover. Also, it can take several months to heal.

Another is that the replacement tooth will not be placed on the dental implant until it heals completely.

Dental implants are usually costlier than other replacement methods for missing teeth.

• Fixed dental bridges

Fixed dental bridges are usually effective for people replacing one or more missing teeth in the same area.

This treatment method uses an artificial or prosthetic tooth to bridge the gap between the missing teeth. This artificial tooth is usually attached to the adjacent teeth and bonded using dental cement.

Pros of dental bridges

Bridges are similar to natural teeth, and they usually are great for enhancing the appearance of the natural teeth on both sides. Also, they are cheaper than dental implants.

Cons of dental bridges

When using fixed dental bridges, you may find it difficult to clean the surrounding tooth underthe bridge. Also, bridges alter the existing teeth and can cause damage to the adjoining teeth with time.

Since it is difficult to clean underneath the bridge, plaques and bacteria can sit under them and cause infection or tooth decay.

• Removable partial dentures

When replacing some of your teeth, your dentist may recommend you go for removable partial dentures.

This partial denture implies attaching a replacement tooth to a natural-looking pink base. The natural teeth will be used to hold the removable plastic base in place.

This base is usually produced to match your gum colour,and the tooth is made to match your natural teeth colour.

You can use these partial dentures when replacing more than one tooth in a particular area.

Pros of removable partial dentures

These are less expensive replacements, and they look and feel natural in the mouth.

Cons of removable partial dentures

During the early time of wearing partial dentures, some people find it difficult. These dentures must be removed and cleaned daily, and you will also take them out before going to bed. Since you will be handling it constantly, it is more susceptible to damage.

Conclusion

You need to tell your dentist about missing teeth; they will give you the best treatment and replacement option. These treatments are usually effective and advisable for long-term dental health.

Some health insurances cover tooth replacement costs, but your doctor should give you a suitable payment plan if the insurances do not.

Call us now at Smile Clinic London on 0207 139 8611 to schedule an appointment today.