Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
A missing tooth may result in a shifting of other teeth, causing a variety of issues affecting your ability to chew properly, the alignment of your jaw, and your ability to avoid future tooth and gum decay. It is not uncommon to develop TMD (TMJ) symptoms after losing a tooth.
Whether you realize it or not, a missing tooth can set off a series of events that lead to serious oral health problems. As a result, it is important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.
There are other serious problems that may arise if you do not replace a missing tooth. Your remaining teeth will be forced to shoulder more of the load with daily chewing and this can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. The gums may recede more quickly on these remaining teeth and ultimately, you may have a tooth fracture and loss of additional teeth.
Denver cosmetic dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh will perform a thorough examination to evaluate the cause of your missing teeth. He will then recommend a treatment regimen that will help reduce the risk of future tooth loss. If your teeth have shifted, Dr. Greenhalgh may recommend a procedure to return them to their proper alignment.
In general, the two most common methods of replacing missing teeth are dental implants and dental bridges. Dr. Greenhalgh will generally recommend dental implants if you have enough healthy bone structure to support the implant. However, if you are not a candidate for dental implants, dental bridges can provide you with a highly effective alternative. What is important is that you have a personalized exam to find out which option is more suitable for you.
If you have missing teeth that need replacement, please contact our Denver cosmetic dentist today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenhalgh.
This entry was posted on Friday, April 30th, 2010 at 2:25 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
