The adult teeth you have in your mouth start erupting around the age of five. If you care for your teeth, they might last a lifetime. There are times, though, when teeth do not last a lifetime. Some people experience severe amounts of decay on teeth and need them removed. Other people lose teeth from extreme trauma to their teeth. If you have a missing tooth, it can cause embarrassment and oral problems. Therefore, you might want to get it replaced, and here are several things to know about replacing a missing tooth.
Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth
While you can choose not to replace a missing tooth, there are reasons you should consider replacing the missing tooth. The first reason is purely cosmetic. When you smile, can people see this big gap in your mouth? If so, you might not want to smile for fear that people will judge you or make fun of you. Secondly, the gap you have in your mouth can create problems. It can lead to shifting of the teeth and an increased risk of gum disease forming in that spot. A gap also creates the potential for the jawbone to deteriorate in that spot.
Ways to Replace Missing Teeth
A cosmetic dentist can help you determine the best option for replacing the tooth you are missing. One option is through a dental implant. Dental implants require several steps, but they leave you with a strong artificial tooth that looks and functions like a real tooth. You might also be able to get a dental bridge to fill the gap. A bridge places an artificial tooth in the gap by connecting it to nearby teeth, making this ideal for gaps between two teeth.
How to Avoid Losing Adult Teeth
After replacing a missing tooth, you might want to find ways to avoid losing more teeth. If you can prevent losing adult teeth, you will never have to worry about replacing them. One of the best ways to avoid this is by caring for your teeth with the proper daily habits. Your dentist can help you understand what you must do daily to care properly for your teeth. Visiting a dentist regularly also helps people protect and care for their teeth.
If you have not visited a dentist recently, contact one today for an appointment. If you need a missing tooth replaced, contact a cosmetic dentist in your city.
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