Losing a tooth can happen to anyone, and it can be devastating. The tooth may have been extracted because of decay or injury, or it could have become loose due to gum disease or tooth grinding. Whatever the reason, tooth loss is often an unpleasant experience that leaves you wondering what to do next.
Fortunately, with the available tooth replacement options, you don’t have to live with an uncomfortable or embarrassing gap in your smile!
What Should I Do When I Lose a Tooth?
Examine the tooth closely to determine whether it was partially or completely knocked out. If it’s still in your mouth, you can reattach it by holding it with clean fingers while rinsing your tooth and tooth socket generously with warm salt water (1 tsp of salt per cup of water). Then coat the tooth in antibiotic gel and place it back into its socket. It won’t be permanent but may help until you reach the dentist.
If the tooth is completely knocked out, try to find it and soak it in milk or contact your dentist immediately for assistance. You don’t want to delay treatment because bacteria will destroy what’s left of the tooth root; this can make an emergency dental visit necessary.
Fortunately, with current technology, there are several restorative dentistry solutions available for every unique situation, and our Patuxent Orthodontics team is on hand to assist you in regaining your confident, natural smile quickly. So, let’s look at your tooth restoration choices and choose the one that best reflects “you”!
Dental Implants
The most frequent restorative dentistry treatment, dental implants provide a safe, steady, and dependable tooth replacement choice. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, around 500,000 dental implants are inserted each year, which can last a lifetime with proper care.
Step by step, a specialist will insert metal screws in the empty socket to keep the future implant in place.
Afterward, they will place the implant and give it some time to heal before it securely fuses itself to the jawbone while a temporary crown protects it.
Then, the specialist will make the implant permanent by screwing in the abutment (i.e., connecting the implant and the crown), leaving room for the dental crown placement, which seals and protects the implant.
This practical, long-lasting, natural-appearing restoration option is the superior alternative for patients searching for a one-time treatment without regular check-ups.
Patients who choose dental implants will spend more money since these restorative treatments cost from $1,500 to $6,000.
Implant-Supported Bridge
If you’re hesitant about dental implants due to the lengthy procedure time, an implant-supported bridge may be a better option for you, especially if several teeth are missing in a row. The teeth at each end are secured with dental implants, while the in-between teeth are held in position without any tooth screws.
This restorative treatment option has similar effects to dental implants but is less expensive.
However, implant-supported bridges are only effective in specific situations (for example, several missing teeth in a row). Additionally, they necessitate replacements and extra visits to the dentist.
Tooth-Supported Bridge
A variation of the previous restorative technique utilizes your existing teeth instead of two dental implants to support a bridge. Your dentist will place a crown on the existing teeth throughout several visits, securing the in-between teeth.
Tooth-supported bridges are another inexpensive alternative to dental implants for people who don’t want to undergo surgical, invasive procedures.
Removable Partial Dentures
Removable partial dentures are a more straightforward and easier-to-use alternative to full dentures.
These prosthetic devices include functional, visually similar teeth that are detachable as needed without the assistance of a dentist.
These devices are one of the most affordable options on the market. They provide excellent outcomes for patients seeking a simple-to-repair, easy-to-modify, and easy-to-replace technology.
However, removable partial dentures do not have the same natural look (because of the visible metal clasps) as implants or bridges. They can be uncomfortable to wear and need special maintenance.
Flipper Tooth
This prosthetic device, often known as “acrylic removable partial denture,” is a less complicated form of removable partial denture.
The device fastens to the roof of your mouth (i.e., the palate) or lower jaw without using metal clasps, giving your smile a more natural appearance.
This cheap and easy-to-use alternative will effectively take the place of your missing tooth until you find a permanent solution!
Restore Your Lost Teeth at Patuxent Orthodontics!
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if orthodontic care is the way to achieve the beautiful smile of your dreams! Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of our orthodontic services or simply have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a free consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in California, Lexington Park, and Great Mills and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in MD, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!
