Missing Teeth

Find UK Dentists »

Missing teeth can cause embarrassment and be very detrimental to a person’s psychological state. Missing teeth can be caused by injury or by gum disease and tooth decay. To avoid missing teeth, visit your dentist regularly so that treatment can be implemented before tooth loss. Luckily, there a number of ways to ensure that missing teeth are not a long term problem.

Dental Bridges

Unlike dentures, dental bridges are fixed and can be used to replace missing teeth providing that some of your remaining teeth are in a good condition. A similar procedure to a denture is implemented, whereby a mould is taken of your teeth and a bridge is constructed to fit perfectly in between the teeth on either side of the gap. The bridge will be cemented into the gap to make it permanent.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an entirely artificial tooth made out of prosthetics. They are more durable then both bridges and dentures and are fixed, which many people find preferable. Further advantages include less gum irritation and more stability when chewing and biting. It is most likely to be a restorative dentist who performs this type of procedure. Although this is a lengthy procedure compared to dentures and bridges, it is the most permanent and strongest option.

Dentures

Dentures are mainly used when a large number of teeth are missing but they can be used partially, for example if only the front teeth were missing. Dentures are removable structures that go over the gum and replace the lost teeth. They are aesthetically more pleasing than leaving a gap where the missing teeth were and can enable easier biting and chewing.

---

« COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS Broken Teeth »