There’s nothing wrong with pinching pennies every now and then. Sometimes, however, what seems like a smart way to save money ends up costing us more in the end. This is certainly the case when it comes to tooth replacement in Norman. Neglecting this important priority can lead to ongoing tooth loss and discomfort over time.
What Happens When Teeth Go Missing
You may remember a wooden block game that was popular in the 80s and 90s. It consisted of a tower about a foot tall made up of small wooden blocks. The object was to remove as many blocks as possible one at a time without making the tower collapse. This required considerable skill on the part of the players, since even a single missing block weakened the entire structure.
Your teeth are similar in many ways to that game. They’re strongest when all of them are in place and doing their job. This changes as soon as one is lost. The others are subjected to unhealthy and unnatural strain. Over time this can cause problems like these:
- Misaligned teeth: the remaining teeth may begin to drift into the gap left behind by the missing tooth. This can lead to aesthetic and practical problems for the patient.
- Cavities: teeth that are out of place or unevenly spaced are harder to care for, making brushing and flossing less effective.
- Tooth loss: the gap created by a missing tooth can cause the remaining teeth to come loose as well. In some cases this causes widespread tooth loss requiring the use of a denture or other extensive restorative treatment.
What Your Dentist in Norman Can Do about Missing Teeth
As you can see, even a single missing tooth is cause for concern. See your dentist in Norman right away if you’re suffering from this problem. He or she can treat the condition using one of the following options:
- Dental implants: these are currently the state-of-the-art in missing tooth replacement. A dental implant uses the strength of the underlying jawbone to give the restoration exceptional resilience. The restored tooth itself is both beautiful and practical.
- Crowns: sometimes it’s possible to save the base of the infected tooth even though the natural crown must be removed. In such cases, your dentist may be able to put an artificial crown in its place. Crowns can last for over 10 years, sometimes as long as a lifetime.
- Bridgework: just as its name implies, a bridge spans the gap left by a missing tooth, covering the space in the patient’s smile. Crowns are typically secured by healthy teeth on either side of the restoration, although dental implants are sometimes used instead.
- Dentures: these are available in both partial and full versions. A partial denture is used when the patient retains a significant number of healthy natural teeth. A full denture is used when an entire jaw, or arch, of teeth need restoration. Traditional adhesive dentures have helped millions of people to enjoy restored smiles and richer lives.
Missing teeth are a serious problem that you should never ignore. Talk to your dentist about the restoration options discussed in this post. It won’t be long before you’re looking at the world with a bright new smile.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J. Carmen is a skilled general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist with both doctoral and postdoctoral training in the profession. He earned his DDS degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists. You can reach his office online or by calling (405) 364-2200.