Losing a permanent tooth changes the way you eat, speak, and even how you feel when you smile. If left untreated, the changes to your smile extend deeper by allowing adjacent teeth to shift, and the jawbone beneath to deteriorate. This consequence of tooth extraction is usually why so many people start looking into the three most reliable replacement options: dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures. Each offers a different experience, with distinct pros and cons.
Continue reading to learn how these treatment options compare, how to decide which choice is right for you, and where to find the best dentist in Mountain View for restorative dentistry.
Dental Implants, Dental Bridges, and Dentures: What’s the Difference?
Many people lose permanent teeth because of tooth decay, dental injuries, gum disease, or simply because a tooth never developed. Our patients with one or more missing teeth often ask us, “What are the best tooth replacement options?”
In Mountain View, dental implants, bridges, and dentures are the three most popular ways to fill the space left by a missing tooth, and each one has its own pros and cons, depending on your unique situation. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
- Dental implants work by surgically implanting a titanium post in the jawbone, where it ossifies with your bone and becomes a permanent base for a crown or row of crowns. It is widely hailed as the best treatment option for a natural-looking restoration. If it’s been a while since you lost the tooth you want to replace, you may need a bone graft before getting a dental implant.
- Dental bridges fill the gap left by a single missing tooth by attaching a false tooth to the healthy teeth on either side. This option still provides a natural-looking restoration, but crowns are slightly less stable and may require more maintenance or even replacement more often than dental implants.
- Dentures replace several missing teeth or an entire arch and can be removed at night or supported by implants for more stability. Both full dentures and partial dentures are great options for restoring your smile if you qualify for dental implants or don’t want to undergo the surgical procedure to get dental implants.
Regardless of which restorative dental treatment you choose, keeping your mouth healthy is the best way to protect your investment. Regular dental visits, professional cleanings, and good oral hygiene at home with fluoride toothpaste are all essential for good dental health and keeping gum tissue free from inflammation and gingivitis.
What Happens When I Don’t Get a Missing Tooth Replaced?
When a missing tooth isn’t replaced, the jawbone beneath that space slowly begins to shrink because it no longer gets the stimulation that once came from the tooth root. Over time, people can notice small changes in how their bite feels or even how their cheeks look as the bone thins and nearby teeth start to shift. If more than one tooth is missing, this jawbone deterioration can actually change the shape of your face. The only treatment option that helps protect the bone is a dental implant, because it fuses with the jaw and provides the same stimulation as a natural tooth root.
Choosing the Right Tooth Replacement Option for You
Choosing the right restorative treatment option often starts with a few honest questions about your own mouth and what you hope to feel when you bite, smile, or speak. Someone with a single missing tooth and strong, healthy teeth on either side of a gap may lean toward a dental bridge, while another person may decide that keeping their facial features intact with a dental implant makes more sense. Budget and timing matter too, especially if you prefer a quicker solution or feel comfortable with a longer process that offers a more permanent result. The right choice is personal and shaped by your health, goals, and comfort.
Finding the Best Dentist in Mountain View for Getting a Tooth Replacement
A broken or missing tooth can disrupt everyday life and change the way you look over time. Our husband-and-wife dentists lead our compassionate team to work closely with you on rebuilding strength and comfort, whether that means repairing a damaged tooth, replacing one that’s been lost, or restoring an entire smile with options that look and feel natural.
We use modern dental technology, techniques, and materials that support long-term oral health, all in a state-of-the-art dental clinic designed to help you feel relaxed and comfortable at every visit.
Ready to fill in gaps in your smile with help from the best dentist in Mountain View?
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