How and Why to Replace Missing Teeth?
Do you have missing teeth? Or do you have teeth that are damaged and decayed that you think may need to be replaced? In this article, Creative Dental Haus will discuss why you should replace missing teeth, and outline dental solutions to replace teeth including dental implants.
Why should I replace missing teeth?
Many people may be inclined to replace their missing teeth at their dentist Geelong because they want to restore their self-confidence. Having missing teeth may make us self-conscious about our smile and less likely to feel like our real, comfortable selves in interactions with other people. By replacing teeth with a realistic replacement, we can rebuild confidence and feel good again.
However, the reasons to replace them are not just cosmetic. They create gaps in the mouth, which may cause neighbouring teeth to shift place. In a sense, the teeth hold each other in place through contact, so by removing a tooth, the risk is that they will shift. The tooth root within the jawbone also maintains the bone structure of the face, so missing teeth may ultimately affect appearance, even if you are not smiling.
By creating new gaps in the mouth, they may also make you more prone to tooth decay and gum disease, as we see here regularly at our Geelong West dentist. Missing teeth can also make it hard to eat and chew.
I have damaged, decayed, or broken teeth – should they be replaced?
Perhaps you have a tooth that has been chipped or fractured? Or maybe a tooth that causes you significant pain? Or which is not shaped how you would like it to be shaped? If this is the case, we encourage you to speak to your dentist.
It is generally preferable to retain your natural teeth where this is possible. Fortunately, there is a range of treatment options offered by your Geelong dental clinic that involve retaining natural teeth. These include minimally invasive and effortless methods such as tooth whitening. However, if you want your tooth replaced, the issue is likely structural.
Your Dental professional can help by offering dental veneers, which are a thin layer (of porcelain or ceramic) that is placed on the forward-facing surface of the tooth. However, if your tooth is substantially misshapen or reduced from its original size, your Geelong dentist may be able to offer dental crowns. This involves preparing the underlying tooth and then placing a crown over the top that is shaped like and similar in appearance and function to your natural tooth. This allows the tooth root to remain natural.
However, for example, if a tooth is badly fractured or if a root canal procedure has not been able to restore the tooth, then a tooth extraction may be necessary, in which case tooth replacement options may be discussed with your dentist at Geelong West.
What solutions are available at my Geelong dentist to replace my missing teeth?
The most popular and standard replacement for most missing teeth is a dental implant.
A dental implant at your dental professional in Geelong consists of three parts.
The first part is a titanium screw that, under anaesthetic, is placed surgically into the jawbone to act as the tooth root. Over time, this screw becomes integrated with the jawbone. In ideal circumstances, this process occurs over 12 weeks. Once this has been achieved and assessed by your dentist, the dentist Geelong will then place an abutment on the implant, and on top of this a dental crown.
The final result is a lifelike tooth that looks and functions like your surrounding teeth and enables you to chew and eat like normal. The process takes a few appointments and will require that your dentist near me assesses your suitability as a candidate for dental implants. The implants’ design involves precise 3D imaging and software to support an effective result.
Other treatment methods for missing teeth at your emergency dentist Geelong include dental bridges and dentures. Dental bridges are a series of interconnected crowns that bridge a gap in your teeth and connect with the surrounding, remaining natural teeth. Dentures are prosthetic devices that are plates or frames holding artificial teeth. They are generally advised for those who are missing a number of teeth.
Have you heard of implant overdentures? This involves using dental implants to stabilise dentures, achieving improved retention and stability. We offer implant overdentures at Creative Dental Haus.
Where can I get dental implants in Geelong?
If you have a missing tooth or think your tooth needs to be replaced, contact Creative Dental Haus at 03 5222 6656 or info@creativedentalhaus.com.au. Our friendly dental team in Geelong can provide support with dental implants, dental crowns, dental veneers, and more. We’re your local teeth whitening dentist, and orthodontist in Geelong, and offer many other dental services as well.
