Losing a tooth as an adult can be a traumatic situation to find yourself in. You may be embarrassed, worried, upset or scared, but it is important that however you are feeling you make sure that you visit our dentist in Rickmansworth as soon as possible to address the issue. A missing tooth has a domino effect, which means that it can result in more missing teeth in very quick succession. Whether you have had a planned tooth extraction or you have lost a tooth from poor dental hygiene or in an accident, the missing tooth needs to be addressed and replaced as soon as possible. Speak to our dentist and find out what options are available for you. If you delay the process your options will become limited, whereas if you address the issue as soon as possible our dentist in Rickmansworth will put together an excellent treatment plan for you and you will have many options.
Dental bridges
Traditionally tooth replacement has been carried out using bridges. A dental bridge involves replacing a missing tooth with a prosthetic which is bonded to the natural teeth on either side of the gap, like a bridge. They are a permanent, fixed solution for missing teeth and with a porcelain crown you can restore the function and appearance of your mouth and smile. On average, a bridge can last for 5 to 15 years or even longer with good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. They are most commonly used to replace 1 or 2 missing teeth, but can sometimes be used for more. Bridges are minimally invasive, they require preparation of the adjacent teeth yet the process itself is relatively simple.
Dental implants
If you are looking for tooth replacement that can last longer and improve your dental health, whilst restoring the appearance and function of your mouth, then speak to our dentist in Rickmansworth and find out about dental implants.
Dental implants are surgically fitted into your jawbone so that they strengthen your jaw and provide a solid foundation for a replacement crown, partial dentures or a set of full dentures. Dental implants are different to bridges. Whilst bridges provide support from the side, dental implants provide support from below. This provides greater strength and stability. Once in place, dental implants are designed to last for the rest of your life with good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dental practice. A single implant can support up to 3 missing teeth whilst 4 implants can replace a whole arch of missing teeth. With dental implants, you do not have to prepare adjacent healthy teeth, rather any remaining teeth will receive greater support, and therefore there is less chance of dental health complications developing in the future.
The two types of tooth replacement are very different. A dental bridge procedure usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete and will last approximately 5 to 15 years as mentioned, whereas a dental implant procedure can take 4 to 6 months but can last the rest of your life. Speak to us at Berry Lane Dental today and find out more about replacing your missing teeth with our experienced dental team. Find out how restoring missing teeth can really make a difference to your everyday life.