Tooth Loss And What To Do

Losing permanent teeth can be a scary thing for most patients. Whether you lose a tooth due to trauma or decay, tooth loss can cause affect a patient’s confidence and their ability to eat, speak, and drink properly. Durham, NC restorative dentist Dr. Brent L. Blaylock aims to help patients achieve a fully functional, natural-looking smile. Dr. Blaylock will consider your cosmetic goals, budget, overall oral health, and lifestyle before deciding which tooth replacement option is right for you.

What Causes Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can derive from some different factors. Tooth loss can happen to any patient, at any age. It is important to take proper care of your teeth to avoid tooth loss and other complex dnetal problems. You could lose a tooth for any of these reasons:

Aggressive tooth decay– Tooth decay can eat away at your teeth, leaving them susceptible to damage.
Tooth trauma- If your tooth becomes chipped or cracked it could lead to losing the tooth completely.
Oral Cancer or Gum Disease- Certain dental issues can cause your teeth and gums to weaken over time and lead to tooth loss.

Options For Missing Teeth

Due to advancements in dentistry, there are a number of options to help restore your missing teeth. Dr. Blaylock offers treatments like dental bridges, dental implants, and dentures.
Dental Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental implant acts as a titanium artificial tooth root. The titanium post fuses with the jawbone, creating a firm foundation for a crown or implant secured dental bridge. Another option is the Dental Bridge. The dental bridge can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge consists of two crowns acting as an anchor to help support a prosthetic tooth. Dental bridges can be made from a number of different materials, but most dentists prefer porcelain. Some patients may opt for Dentures. Dentures can replace either the top or bottom arch of teeth. Dr. Blaylock often recommends implant secured dentures to combat problems like slippage. Implant secure dentures offer a better long-term solution than removable dentures.

Schedule An Appointment

If you want to find the right tooth replacement solution for your smile, visit our Durham, NC dentist office. We offer a variety of options to help restore your smile. Please feel free to schedule an appointment online or call 919.518.9963