It’s safe to say we’ve all had an issue with a tooth before. Whether it’s a cavity, tooth chip or a toothache. But what happens if you knock a tooth out altogether? Your immediate thought might be “how can I live with this unsightly gap in my mouth?”, but our services can solve this too. Each case is different, so your dentist will evaluate your condition to come up with the most effective treatment possible, which is typically dental restoration.
HOW IT HAPPENS
Our teeth are by far the strongest substance in our body, even stronger than our bones, but it doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Injuries, unfortunate events and even disease-related issues can knock teeth out of a person’s mouth. It’s common for a lot of athletes but also common for your everyday person through slips and falls or even just biting into hard food.
1ST METHOD: IMPLANTS
This method involves surgery to place titanium alloy implants into the patient’s jaw. These replacements are durable and allow the patient to eat and speak normally. The dentist ensures the implants match the shade of colour of the patient’s natural teeth (off-white, clear-white, yellowish, etc). The patient has the personal choice between replacing a few teeth or even an entire mouthful of teeth when it comes to implants.
2ND METHOD: BRIDGES
This is a common dental restoration procedure that dentists perform for patients who are missing at least one tooth. In this process, the dentist places a crown over adjacent natural teeth, which will serve as anchors. Then, false teeth go in between to fill in the gaps. They’re usually made of porcelain and have the strength to help the patient chew normally again.
3RD METHOD: DENTURES
If you have lost a few, several or all of your teeth, this might be the best option. This process starts with the dentist taking a mould of the patient’s mouth and then sending it out to the lab where the technician then creates the dentures for the patient. It consists of false teeth and a metal base covered in plastic. There are both full and partial dentures, which the patient can easily remove for the convenience of cleaning or eating.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT REPLACEMENT FOR A MISSING TOOTH
With all the dental restoration options available, it can be difficult for a person to select one. Luckily, the decision isn’t made alone. The dentist will look at the severity of the person’s condition and then recommend a solution, while the patient considers factors such as cost, convenience and how long the replacement lasts. It’s encouraged for them to check in with their insurance coverage as well.
WIN BACK THAT BEAUTIFUL SMILE
Whether you lose permanent teeth because of injury, accident or decay, there are dental restoration options to replace them. Talk to us today about your needs as you evaluate the benefits of dentures, implants and bridges. Regardless of what you choose, you will no longer have to suffer the embarrassment of having missing teeth which will improve the way you feel in social situations. As they say, look good – feel good! Make an appointment with Dr. Vlahos today so you can get the right treatment.
Request an appointment here or call Dr. Vlahos Dental in St. Catherines at (905) 937-4673 for an appointment in our beautiful St. Catherines office.