Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Franklin, TN

At New Image Dentistry, we have several options for replacing missing teeth. If you have lost a tooth in an accident or if it was removed due to decay, we can perform a procedure to replace it so you can regain the full functionality and appearance of your smile. If you live in Franklin, TN area, we invite you to call (615) 591-4490 and schedule an appointment with our dental office. After examining you, we will make a recommendation as to which procedure is likely to provide the best results for your appearance and lifestyle goals.

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How can I tell which missing tooth replacement options are right for me?

In our Franklin dental office, we understand the importance of choice. We know that when we see 10 people with tooth loss, each of them will have slightly different goals and lifestyle. Things like the type of food you like to eat or whether or not you play sports impact which tooth replacement option is right for you. When you come in for a consultation, we will take time to ask questions and get to know you. Asking about your hobbies and whether or not you work out may seem out of place for a dentist, but everything works together. For example, if your hobbies involve singing in the choir, dentures may not be a good solution for you because they are not the most secure option and tend to pop out of place. Furthermore, patients who like to run marathons will need a tooth replacement solution that will not become loose with aggressive impact. After asking you questions and conducting a dental examination, we will make a recommendation as to which option we feel will work best for your lifestyle. Once we have determined which procedure or procedures best suit your needs, our treatment coordinator will go over the cost associated for care and help you make the best decision for your long term dental health.

Out of all of the missing tooth replacement options, which one is the most durable?

At New Image Dentistry, we can give you a well-made and durable replacement tooth, regardless of which option you select. However, if you are looking for a replacement option that looks, feels, and behaves like a natural tooth, a dental implant is the most effective. When completing this procedure, a titanium post is implanted underneath the gums and secure it to the jawbone. The titanium post serves as a replacement tooth root. Over the course of one to several months, the titanium and bone will fuse together to create a new root system that is as strong as the original tooth root. This process is referred to as “osseointegration”. Proper osseointegration is necessary to ensure the long-term success of the dental implant and dental implant crown. Once we have confirmed that osseointegration is a success, we will then attach a new tooth that has been specifically created to blend in with your surrounding teeth. An implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth. It is important to note that this is a surgical procedure, and in order to qualify, your jawbone will need to have sufficient bone density. As such, not everyone is a candidate for the dental implant procedure. Patients who are not candidates for dental implants typically choose to proceed with other durable tooth replacement solutions such as a dental bridge.

A dental bridge essentially consists of three connected dental crowns. The two outer crowns attach to the adjacent teeth, and the crown in the middle where the tooth is missing “bridges” the gap to conceal the area of the missing tooth. Dental bridges are the most durable, non-surgical solution for replacing a missing tooth because the bridge is firmly attached to the adjacent teeth; however, attaching the outer crowns of the bridge to the adjacent teeth is not without compromise. Dr. Blourchian must reduce the healthy tooth structure of the adjacent teeth in order to attach the bridge securely. This procedure should only be considered when a dental implant is not an option- otherwise the patient is damaging two perfectly healthy teeth to replace one missing tooth, which could lead to further complications down the road.

In some cases, dentures are an ideal way to replace missing teeth. While not as durable or sturdy as an implant or bridge, they can be the best solution for patients who are already missing most or all of their teeth. Dentures can also be an ideal immediate solution while preparing for a surgical procedure. Modern dentistry has made it possible to wear a set of dentures that look natural and are less likely to fall out of place.

Franklin Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Will my missing tooth replacement options be influenced by my age?

At New Image Dentistry, our goal is to provide you with a tooth replacement solution that is beautiful, natural-looking, and will work for your lifestyle. Age, while a factor in healthcare, has less to do with your ideal tooth replacement solution than what your lifestyle is like. For example, you could be a senior and not want to wear dentures, even though they are common. Regardless of your age, if you lead an active lifestyle, dental implants could be the best solution simply because they are the sturdiest option and will allow you to maintain all of your activities. One thing to be aware of, and this does not have to be age-related, is that when you lose a tooth, the process of resorption starts. This is when the body starts to leach calcium from your jawbone and distribute it to the rest of the body. The longer you wait to visit our Franklin dental office and have the tooth replaced, the less bone density you will have. When you then go to replace the tooth, your options could be more limited. This makes losing a tooth an urgent matter to attend to.

We recommend that you call (615) 591-4490 and schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as your tooth has either fallen or been knocked out. During your appointment, we will examine your gums, take X-rays, and make a recommendation as to which tooth replacement option will be best suited for your needs. Acting on this quickly will help in restoring your appearance and oral health.

To learn more about dental options for replacing missing teeth, call and schedule an appointment with our Franklin dentist office today.