If you are missing one or more teeth and are tired of living with holes in your smile, we can help. At Total Dental Solutions for Adults, we understand that both the look and function of your smile can be greatly affected by even just one missing tooth.
The reason for your tooth loss may have an effect on which tooth replacement options can work for you. When you visit our dental offices in North Naples or Fort Myers, FL, we will closely examine your mouth to determine which solution is right for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great option for patients who are missing a single tooth or several teeth in different parts of their mouth. A dental implant is a titanium post, similar to a screw, that is placed in the upper or lower jaw to serve as the roots, or base, of a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth is then mounted to the implant.
With dental implants, you have a missing tooth solution that is long-lasting and incredibly secure. For a dental implant to work properly, there needs to be enough jawbone to support the implant. For this reason, dental implants won’t work for everyone.
Bridges
Another option for tooth replacement is a dental bridge. If you are missing one or more teeth in the same area, this option could work for you. A fixed bridge quite literally bridges the gap caused by a missing tooth, with the help of a dental prosthetic or fake tooth. To make the bridge, the prosthetic is attached to adjacent teeth, then secured in place with dental cement.
Bridges are typically less expensive than dental implants and look like natural teeth, but can be harder to keep clean.
Dentures
For those who need to replace most or all of their teeth, dentures are a popular solution. Fortunately, dentures have come a long way in the last few decades, making them far more durable and natural-looking than ever before. Those who are looking for a replacement for only some of their teeth may also be a candidate for a removable partial denture.
A denture is a dental appliance made of replacement teeth and a natural-looking base that looks like gums. Dentures are customized to fit securely and function just like natural teeth. If you are using a partial denture, it can be made to match the look of your remaining healthy teeth.
The main disadvantage of choosing dentures over a bridge or dental implant is that dentures must be removed and cleaned daily. Still, dentures serve as a great option for patients who are missing several or all of their teeth.
If you are ready to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and restore your smile, call Total Dental Solutions for Adults today at (239) 594-8817. We will schedule a consultation during which we will closely examine your teeth and come up with a tooth replacement solution that is best for you.