Missing teeth should be replaced as soon as possible.  Replacing missing teeth will help prevent your remaining teeth from drifting, over erupting, moving out of alignment and bone loss.  There are a few different options for replacing these missing teeth.  The most common two options for replacing missing or damaged teeth are with crowns or bridges.

Crowns for Fixing Missing Teeth

Crowns are a great option if you have teeth that have been chipped, cracked, broken or exposed to significant decay.  The crown sits on top of your tooth to return it to its normal shape and size.  Your dental care provider will numb and clean out the damaged area of the tooth before reshaping it for the crown.  Crowns will strengthen the damaged tooth and function as a natural tooth.  A crown is a natural looking alternative when it comes to covering damaged teeth.

If your tooth is beyond repair or if you are missing teeth, your dentist may recommend a crown in combination with a dental implant.  The dental implant replaces the missing teeth by acting as the natural root of the tooth.  This implant will continue to provide stimulation that you would not have with missing teeth to prevent any bone loss.  This makes a great option for replacing missing teeth.

The crown itself is made of metal or ceramic or a combination of the two.  The goal is to create a look that will blend flawlessly with your natural teeth.  When used properly, a crown can restore your tooth and prevent bone loss by either using your tooth’s existing root, or a dental implant to continue to stimulate the bone.  They typically last five to eight years but can last much longer as long as they are properly cared for.

To ensure that your crowns are able to live up to their full potential, you will want to avoid chewing hard foods and objects such as ice to prevent fracturing.  You will still need to brush and floss regularly to ensure that your remaining teeth remain healthy and to prevent gum disease.  Continue to see your dentist regularly so that they are able to monitor the crown and catch any problems before they become a bigger issue.

Contact Dr. Levy to discuss your options for dealing with missing teeth.

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