Preparing for a Missing Tooth Consultation

Replacing your missing tooth protects your dental health while restoring the appearance of your smile. Replacing a lost tooth with an oral prosthetic often starts with a consultation with a dentist. The dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth and gums before recommending missing teeth replacement options that are best suited for them.

Getting ready for your missing tooth consultation

Consulting with a dentist about replacing a missing tooth is not much different than a routine dental visit. The dentist performs a visual assessment of the patient’s teeth, and diagnostics like X-rays may be taken to view underneath the gums.

The dentist will assess the patient’s dental and medical records, searching for issues that might make them ineligible for certain teeth replacement options. For example, people with diabetes are not always cleared for implants because that condition increases the risk of complications.

After the interview and examination phase, the dentist will recommend teeth replacement options. Popular ones include the following. 

1. Dental implants

Implants are among the most common ways to replace teeth. They are also the most comprehensive solutions for missing teeth because they replace teeth roots and crowns. The crown is the visible portion of a tooth, and its root is the part below the gum that is attached to the jawbone. The root helps keep the jawbone healthy by transferring bite forces into it.

Bone tissues in the jaw break down when they stop getting stimulated. Failing to replace a missing tooth with an implant leaves a person vulnerable to this bone tissue breakdown.

Placing implants in a person’s jaw requires minor oral surgery. They are given up to six months to bond with surrounding bone tissues. Restorations like crowns, a bridge, or dentures can then be attached to the implants.

2. Dentures

Replacing teeth with dentures is an inexpensive, non-invasive procedure, and patients can be fitted with them in as little as two weeks. Dentures have two main components: artificial teeth and a gum-colored framework that they are attached to.

Dentures can be broken up into two groups: partial and complete. Partial dentures are for people who have only lost a few teeth, while full denture sets are for those who have lost most of their teeth. Dentures are typically held in place via suction, and they can be combined with implants to create a more stable solution.

3. Bridges

Dental bridges are artificial teeth that are attached to the two teeth closest to the space left by the missing teeth. Those two teeth also have to be fitted for crowns by removing enamel from their sides. Bridges provide a more stable solution than dentures, but they also do not address the bone tissue loss that occurs due to missing teeth.

We replace missing teeth

Are you tired of the gap in your smile? Give us a call or stop by our San Jose clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ddsbaik.com or call Dennis Baik, DDS at (408) 676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Options For Replacing Missing Teeth in San Jose, CA.

Related Posts

Dental Implants Or Dentures?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are several different solutions. Two of the most popular solutions are dental implants and dentures, each of them having their own pros and cons. Implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone and act as natural tooth roots, providing a stable…

Benefits Of Replacing A Missing Tooth Immediately

Replacing a missing tooth as soon as possible helps prevent issues that lost teeth can cause, like bone tissue deterioration in the jaw, an increased risk of tooth decay, and the remaining teeth moving out of their proper alignment.Let us take a look at a few of the benefits of replacing a missing tooth with…

Long-Term Problems Caused By A Missing Tooth

Failing to replace a missing tooth can have long-term adverse effects on your dental and overall health. It can change the natural shape of your facial structures and affect your smile's appearance. It can also make you more vulnerable to periodontal disease, which happens to be the top cause of adult tooth loss, according to…

Why It Is Important To Replace Missing Teeth

It is essential to replace missing teeth the moment they fall out. Failing to do so can lead to serious health issues. Teeth serve an important function: They help people break down foods, pronounce certain words and their roots keep your jawbone tissue healthy.When some of a person's teeth are missing, there are changes that…

Dennis Baik, DDS

Share
Published by
Dennis Baik, DDS

Recent Posts

Can Periodontics Help Prevent Dental Emergencies?

Deep cleanings are usually performed three to four times a year at the dental office.

2 weeks ago

Top Reasons to Consider Dental Veneers for Your Teeth

Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.

1 month ago

Options for TMJ Disorder Treatment

You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it.…

2 months ago

How Long Do Dental Implants Crowns Last?

Comprising a post, abutment and crown, implants are natural-looking and help preserve your mouth’s functions.

2 months ago

Quick Guide to Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that few look forward to; however, it is often…

3 months ago

3 Signs You Should Have Your Silver Fillings Replaced

Considering replacing your silver fillings? Learn more in this article as we go over a…

4 months ago