Bridging the Gap with Implants and More

By Dr. Anna Chukhman

When we were young, we couldn't wait to lose our theeth and see what the Tooth Fairy left us in exchange. As adults, we can't muster up the same enthusiasm for a missing tooth. When a tooth is lost due to a trauma, decay or gum disease, not only may it discourage you from smiling, it may impair your mouth's function, especially chewing or speaking. Luckily, advances in dental science have provided several options to replace those missing teeth and restore your smile.

Dental implants offer a practical solution to tooth loss. The look and feel of an implant is amazingly similar to that of natural teeth. Implants are metal posts that are surgically placed below the gums during a series of appointments. The implants are stable because they are fused to the bone, providing artificial roots for replacement teeth.

The first step in getting an implant is to place the anchor in the gums. This surgery can take several hours and the bone must grow around the implant -- a process that may take up to six months. Because implants require surgery, you must be in good health, have healthy gums, and adequate bone in order to be a good candidate. Your dentist will help you determine whether implants are for you.

If implants are not the best option, do not despair. Permanent bridges offer an additional choice for replacing missing teeth. Today's bridges, like implants, provide the look and function of natural teeth. If you have a missing tooth surrounded by healthy teeth, a bridge may work best for you. Sometimes referred to as a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with artificial teeth and literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. The permanent bridge can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.

If your missing tooth is leaving a gap in your smile, discuss your goals with your dentist.