If you are missing one or more of your permanent teeth, it’s time to consider your tooth replacement options. Missing teeth create more than just cosmetic concerns for your smile. In addition, they also increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay development. This is because missing teeth create unintended gaps in your smile which bacteria and food residue can cling to on a daily basis. This is why we recommend replacing a missing tooth sooner rather than later. Learn more about your options:
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a more conservative approach to replacing missing teeth. Bridges can replace one tooth or several consecutive missing teeth. Often completed within two or three appointments, a bridge utilizes the exterior support of your surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth in place of a missing tooth. While dental bridges effectively replace your missing teeth, they do require some lifestyle alterations to ensure their longevity. A dental bridge will last several years if properly maintained. Patients with dental bridges are encouraged to avoid excessively crunchy or chewy foods to ensure their bridge hardware is not damaged. Additionally, patients will need to brush and floss extensively around their bridge hardware to ensure no food residue gets stuck within the bridge. Marietta dentists Dr. Michael Mulkey and our team can show you how to properly care for your dental bridge once it is placed.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the only permanent option for tooth replacement. This is because dental implants require a surgical procedure. During the surgical portion, a titanium post will be inserted into your soft tissues and allowed to fuse together with your jawbone as it heals. Once fully healed, the post will supply your restoration with tooth-root functionality. This means no dietary restrictions. Additionally, all of the implant hardware is protected by your own soft tissues. This means you can care for your dental implant just as you would a natural tooth, with no extra precautions needed. In order to be a candidate for dental implants, patients should be healthy enough for surgery, have healthy gums and adequate bone structure to support the implant. Marietta, GA dentists Dr. Mulkey and our team offer all types of dental implants and can replace one or more missing teeth for a secure, lasting, and naturally functioning smile.
Schedule An Appointment
At Lost Mountain Dental in Marietta GA, Dr. Mulkey and our team believe that the best dentistry is a collaborative process between the dentist and patient. We take the time to fully evaluate your dental health, discuss concerns, and understand your dental health goals. If you want to learn more about your restorative dentistry options for tooth replacement, schedule an appointment with our experienced dentists in Marietta, GA.