The average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth. If you have lost or are facing the loss of even one or more teeth, there are potential concerns you will want to address to ensure they don’t affect your health or quality of life:
-Mouth Function: A space between your teeth can affect your speech or eating in negative ways.
-Cosmetic Concerns: Missing teeth can be noticeable, affecting one’s self image and social interactions.
-Bone Structure: When teeth are missing within the mouth, teeth can shift and bone loss can occur within the jawbone. This can lead to further problems down the road.
We at River Valley Smiles care about your overall dental health and provide many options for you to replace these missing teeth and help you get your full smile and function back for your long-term health!
-Bridges: Bridges are replacement teeth that are anchored to the adjacent teeth in your mouth. Bridges are a less-invasive and less costly solution for tooth replacement and typically last between 5-15 years depending on many factors. With good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, it is likely a bridge can last 10+ years.
-Dentures: Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back in your mouth. Dentures come in complete sets when all of a patient’s teeth are missing, and in partials to replace just one or a few teeth when some natural teeth remain. Dentures can help fill out the muscles in the mouth when teeth have been missing and help restore full eating and speaking function when it has been lost. They can be made to closely resemble one’ s natural teeth and are a great solution for many patients, especially when other options are not feasible.
-Implants: Implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base upon which to build a replacement tooth within the mouth. Often the root that is gently implanted into the bone is more secure than one’s natural tooth root. Well cared-for dental implants have the potential to last a lifetime. The dental crown that is built upon the implant may need to be replaced as often as every 10-15 years, yet proper care could extend the crown’s life beyond 15 years.
We at River Valley Smiles are well equipped and experienced in bridges, dentures, and dental implants and would love to help you get the smile and tooth function you need and deserve. Call our office today to learn more about your tooth replacement options!
