With proper dental care and oral hygiene, your teeth and your smile can last a lifetime. While many dental treatments aim to save teeth, sometimes the best thing to do is replace a missing or severely damaged tooth. This falls into the category of prosthodontic dentistry. Missing teeth are usually the result of trauma and tooth decay. Even though a missing tooth may not bother you aesthetically, unfortunately your smile is not the only thing you need to worry about. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth can shift and deteriorate. Your bite may
also change leading to problems with the jaw.
With all the complications fractured, decayed, and missing teeth can cause, it’s best to restore the tooth or replace it as soon as possible. Fortunately, you have options when it comes to repairing a missing tooth, all of which are offered at Austin Dental Cares:
- Crown
A crown is a prosthetic tooth that is usually used to cover a damaged tooth, which is weak and likely to break. A crown is often needed if the tooth is too damaged to be repaired with just a filling, such as a fractured tooth. Crowns may be made of porcelain, ceramic, and stainless steel. If you opt for a dental crown, the decay is removed from your tooth. The tooth is then filled and prepared to support the crown. The last step is cementing the crown to the natural tooth. - Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is often recommended to fill a gap due to a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge involves preparing teeth on adjacent sides of the space to support the bridge. The healthy teeth are called abutment teeth. The bridge is a single unit that includes a prosthetic tooth to fill the gap, which is supported by two crowns on each side, which attach to the abutment teeth. - Dentures
Dentures are a replacement for missing teeth that can be taken out of the mouth. Dentures may be a good option for people who have several or most of their teeth missing. If missing teeth are not replaced, it can lead to facial muscle sagging and problems eating and speaking properly. Full and partial custom-made dentures are available. Dentures made today are comfortable and natural looking.
Prosthodontic treatment helps restore your teeth cosmetically and functionally. It’s important to restore a missing tooth as soon as possible before complications develop. Prosthodontic dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Our staff at Austin Dental Cares will help you to determine which treatment is best for you.