If you lose a tooth or a number of teeth it is always beneficial to replace them. Missing teeth affect the function of the mouth, as well as the look of the smile and gaps can also cause the remaining teeth to shift out of position. If you have a single missing tooth or a number of missing teeth there are options available to you, including:

Dental bridge

A dental bridge is commonly used to replace a single missing tooth or a small number of missing teeth. A dental bridge is made from a false tooth, which is known as a pontic, and crowns, which hold the false tooth in position. There are three types of dental bridge: a traditional fixed bridge, a cantilever bridge and a Maryland bridge; the most common bridge is the traditional fixed bridge. Bridges can be made from different materials and ceramic bridges are very popular because they match the colour of the teeth.

Dental implants

Dental implants are a really impressive long-term option for patients with missing teeth; they last for many years and they produce amazing aesthetics, as well as first class function. Dental implants are titanium devices, which resemble screws, which are placed into sockets in the jaw bone to replace the tooth root; they can then be attached to a crown, dental bridge or denture, once they have fully integrated into the jaw bone.

Dentures

Dentures are sets of false teeth, which can be used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth (a full or complete denture) or a smaller number of missing teeth (a partial denture). Modern dentures are very lifelike and they are much more comfortable and functional than they used to be. We recommend regular appointments for patients with dentures to check the fit of the denture; ill-fitting dentures affect the function of your mouth and they can also cause irritation and soreness.

The options available to you may depend on the number of teeth you are missing, the location of the missing teeth, your preferences and your budget. Our friendly dentists at Dublin18 Dental Care near Donnybrook will be happy to discuss the different treatments with you and explain how they work and which one would be best for you.