Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience. Not only does it make it difficult to eat and make you feel self-conscious but a missing tooth can lead to further damage to your mouth. But before you find a dental implants specialist tarzana, it's important to have the information you need about replacing a missing tooth.

How do people lose teeth as adults?

The primary ways adults lose teeth is through tooth decay and gum disease. There a number of ways these can occur. Poor dental hygiene is one cause of decay and gum disease. However, they can also occur as symptoms of other conditions, due to medications, or other conditions. Identifying the cause of your tooth decay and gum disease can help you prevent further damage to your teeth. 

Is it necessary to replace a missing tooth?

While it is ultimately your decision whether to replace a missing tooth, there are consequences if you choose not to. Over time, the effects of the missing tooth can spread throughout your mouth. The remaining teeth on either side of the gap will move toward each other, which can cause problems with tooth alignment. Improper alignment can make it difficult to chew your food. In addition, a tooth lost to decay puts other teeth at increased risk for decay, which causes further problems. Dealing with the long-term problems of a lost tooth can be more expensive than simply replacing a missing tooth! 

How are missing teeth replaced?

There are a few options for replacing a missing tooth. The best solution for you depends on your needs and recommendations from your dentist. 

A traditional bridge grinds down the teeth on either side of the gap and then adds a bridge of three teeth -- the missing tooth and the teeth on either side -- to attach to the posts created by grinding down the teeth. Another option is a composite bridge, which does not grind the teeth on either side down to posts before placing the bridge piece into the mouth. 

Dental implants are another solution for replacing a missing tooth. After finding a dental implants specialist tarzana, an implant is placed in the mouth where the tooth's root once was. Once the dentist determines that the jaw has accepted the implant, a crown is placed over it. 

Before you decide to replace a missing tooth, it's important to explore all of your options. Speaking with a dental implants specialist tarzana will help examine your options and determine the best way to replace your missing tooth and prevent further damage to your teeth. 

For more information about replacing a missing tooth or other dental work, contact Victory Cosmetic Dentistry for an appointment today!