Missing Teeth: Restoring Your Smile's Health and Beauty

Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic issue. They can lead to serious complications for your oral health and cause problems when chewing, speaking, and even doing routine dental care.

Fortunately, there are several options available to replace your missing teeth Tallahassee FL and restore the comfort and health of your smile. Dental implants are the preferred tooth replacement option because they recreate the entire tooth structure, including the root.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are high-tech tooth replacements that mimic the look, feel and function of natural teeth. They can be used to replace one missing tooth, multiple teeth or even all of your teeth. Implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates healthy bone growth in the jaw.

The implant post is made of biocompatible titanium that fuses to the bone (View Implant Procedure). The restoration, which can be a dental crown or a full denture, fits on top of the implant. Dental implants can last a lifetime, especially when properly cared for.

During the surgical procedure, you will receive a local anesthetic and sedation, if needed. We will provide you with at-home care instructions and follow-up appointments to make sure your implant heals correctly. In some cases, a bone graft may be required to add more strength to the jawbone before an implant can be placed. This is usually done using the patient’s own bone or a synthetic bone-substitute.

Dental Bridges

Missing teeth Tallahassee FL can make chewing and speaking difficult. Bridges can fill the gap in your smile and help restore normal function to your jaw. They can also prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting into the empty space, which can cause misalignment and bone deterioration.

Dental bridges can be constructed with a number of materials. Traditional bridges use crowns for the healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, known as abutment teeth, and then attach a false tooth, called a pontic, in between. The pontic is usually made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.

Your dentist in Tallahassee Florida or dental practitioner will prepare the abutment teeth by filing down the backs of them. They may also numb the area before making a bridge to reduce discomfort. Once the bridge is ready, your dentist or dental practitioner will fix it to the abutment teeth with dental cement. After a short transition period, you will be able to speak and eat normally with your new bridge.

Full or Partial Dentures

If you are missing many or all of your natural teeth, dentures may be the right choice for you. Dentures are a long-time tooth replacement option that can greatly improve your quality of life and help you eat and speak more easily.

A full denture consists of a gum-colored base that supports a complete row of artificial teeth. These are usually removable and firmly stick to the gum tissue due to suction, although some patients use denture adhesive to increase stability. You can opt for a conventional denture or an immediate denture, which is placed immediately after your teeth are removed and prevents you from having to go without teeth while the gum tissue heals.

Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaws. These can also fill in gaps and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, which can lead to additional dental issues. These are either removable or fixed bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth by placing crowns on the surrounding natural teeth and attaching artificial teeth to these.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic treatment for teeth that have become discolored over time. It uses a safe chemical like hydrogen peroxide to bleach or whiten the natural tooth enamel. It can be performed at home with pre-filled trays or in the dental office. The procedure is often combined with light activation which increases the effectiveness of the whitening agent.

Teeth may become yellow or darker over time due to age-related changes and certain medications. It can also be caused by traumatic injury, gum disease or congenital genetic conditions. These factors can affect how you smile and speak, as well as how healthy your bite is.

Missing teeth can negatively affect your appearance and impact your ability to eat a nutritious diet. They can also cause the adjacent teeth to shift toward the gap over time, causing discomfort and other serious issues. Replacing missing teeth can restore your natural appearance, your oral health and boost your self-esteem.

Conclusion

Missing teeth in Tallahassee, FL can be restored through various treatments such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures. These solutions improve function and aesthetics, enhancing your smile and oral health. Consult a local dentist to explore the best options for replacing missing teeth and restoring confidence.