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Written by the doctors at Advanced Dentistry South Florida
It has been said that the first thing someone notices about you is your mouth, or smile. If you are afraid to smile because you have one or more missing teeth, just know that there is more than just one option for replacing them.
At Advanced Dentistry South Florida, we hear many reasons why a patient might not want to replace his or her teeth. A few of the main reasons why someone might choose not to replace their teeth are:
1. The procedure costs too much
2. Fear of the dentist, or dental anxiety
3. Embarrassment
4. Pain
What a lot of people don’t realize is the fact that there is more than just one option for replacing missing teeth. There are plenty of options that can be low cost and virtually pain free.
What we try to educate patients on is the fact that the longer you wait to replace your missing teeth, the more expensive it can get to maintain good oral health. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and with one missing, they start to “fall.” As this worsens, the bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw, e.g. TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they too are lost. Gum disease becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.
So what are the options for replacing teeth?
Although there are quite a few options for replacing missing teeth, the most common procedures will be listed below:
1. Dental Implants: A dental implant is an ideal tooth restoration for people who are missing one or more teeth as a result of injury, periodontal disease, or any other reason. Because dental implants are made from titanium, the body should not reject this metallic substance.
2. Dentures: A denture is a fixed or removable appliance that is crafted to replace your missing teeth. While dental implants are the number one choice for one or more missing teeth, dentures can be a great alternative. Because of our state-of-the-art technology and modern advances in dentistry, your denture will be custom fit and will have a life-like look and feel to them.
3. All Porcelain Ceramic Crowns: A crown (also referred to as a cap) is used to entirely cover a damaged tooth and is shaped to look as natural as possible. A crown not only strengthens a tooth, but it can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape and alignment. Now thanks to the development of modern all-ceramics, which are incredibly strong and natural looking, aesthetics and durability become one with the use of all porcelain crowns.
4. Bridges: A dental bridge is exactly how it sounds. It creates a “bridge” where tooth loss has occurred. There are several types of bridges. If you have healthy, strong teeth on either side of the missing tooth, then you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge.
While these replacement options are the most popular in our office, they may not be the right choice for your particular case. When you make your appointment at Advanced Dentistry South Florida, your doctor will determine which options are best for you after following a complete examination.
Our oral surgeons have extensive education and many years of performing oral surgery procedures such as implants, dentures, crowns and bridges. Our practice has been voted “Best Dental Practice in Delray Beach” for 3 years in a row by Sun Sentinel Delray Forum readers, and we have recently been named the “Best Dental Practice in Delray” as well by the Jewish Journal.
Call our office to make your appointment today to see for yourself why others trust us with their oral care.
561-404-4083 www.ad-sf.com
Village Professional Center at 15340 Jog Road,
Suite 100, Delray Beach, FL 33446.
