If you ever find yourself in a position where you have missing teeth, you may find it difficult to smile, difficult to bite effectively and that bone begins receding from that missing tooth. All things we at Aesthetic Family Dentistry can help with.

Essentially, if you have suffered from tooth loss, you have three main options. You can have either:

• Dentures
• A dental bridge
• A dental implant

Each offers a different approach to replacing a missing tooth or multiple teeth and each will be eminently suitable to different patients in different situations. It isn’t something you can decide just from reading this post. It is something you will need to consult with your dentist. Contact us here at Aesthetic Family Dentistry if you would like to know more.

Dentures

Dentures have changed beyond all recognition over the past few years. Gone are the poorly fitting, awkward devices you saw your grandparents using and in are new, close fitting, perfectly crafted devices that fit perfectly. Dentures are the least intrusive treatment for missing teeth but they need a little more looking after.

A dental bridge

A dental bridge is very good at managing a single missing tooth. Essentially, a dental bridge consists of a pair of crowns that fit over your natural teeth either side of the missing one with a fake cap suspended in-between. From the outside, it looks just like a real tooth. Like dentures, they do need special care to maintain but are a very effective treatment for missing teeth.

A dental implant

The final treatment is a dental implant. These are very popular procedures as they not only fill the gap to replace missing teeth, they also support the jaw to prevent bone loss and can be looked after just like real teeth. The procedure is the most involved and will take time, but offers the most permanent fix.

If you have missing teeth and would like to discuss your options, schedule a consultation at Aesthetic Family Dentistry today. Each of these treatments are more suitable for some patients than others. It is something we would need to discuss with you in person during a consultation. Contact us today to book yours!

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The main causes of tooth loss

The majority of cases of missing teeth we see are entirely avoidable. With a few exceptions, a better oral health regimen and a better diet could have prevented many people from losing teeth. The main causes of tooth loss are not brushing properly twice a day, not flossing regularly and not visiting the dentist when you should.

Regular brushing removes bacteria from your mouth which contribute to gum disease. Brushing also helps remove plaque, which is another major cause of gum disease. Untreated, gum disease causes tooth loss. It really is as simple as that. Flossing helps by removing food particles and plaque from gaps in teeth, completing a good oral health regimen.

Visiting your dentist regularly helps us keep an eye on what’s going on in your mouth. We can identify any potential issues early and help with education, advice and treatment.  Catching gum disease early can help you avoid losing teeth.

Diet is also a major cause of tooth loss. Eating lots of candy and sugary foods or drinking lots of alcohol, soda or energy drinks will also significantly increase your chance of having missing teeth. Sugar contributes to tooth decay, which can either lead to teeth falling out or us having to remove them.

Avoiding tooth loss

As mentioned above, a good oral health care routine goes a long way to preventing tooth loss. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and toothpaste, floss and visit the dentist regularly and you will help prevent tooth loss significantly. These three elements will help avoid the vast majority of dental issues. That is why they are so important.

Diet is a major contributing factor in tooth loss so is another area that needs attention. A healthy varied diet that doesn’t contain excess sugar will also go a long way to preventing tooth loss. Nobody is saying avoid candy or a soda, but have them in moderation. Then eat a slice of cheese or brush your teeth a short while afterwards.

Missing teeth are easily avoidable for the vast majority of cases. If you are missing teeth or are concerned about your oral health, contact Aesthetic Family Dentistry today. We’re here to help!

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