Tooth Loss: I’ve lost a tooth what do I do next?

It can happen and when it involves a front tooth it can be very stressful and frightening. It important to remember that you’re not alone, it does happen and you do have options.

Tooth loss happens and when it involves a front tooth it can be very stressful and frightening. It important to remember that you’re not alone, it does happen and you do have options. A tooth can be lost for many reasons including trauma, advanced gum disease, tooth decay or infection.

Tooth Loss - Missing tooth replacement options

Tooth loss – Short Term Options

In the short term after a tooth is either taken out or lost the area must heal before something permanent can be placed. You can discuss the following options with your dentist

  • leave space (most wont want to do this at the front of the mouth)
  • immediate denture
  • temporary bridge

Typical healing period before something long term can be placed is 3-6 months however in a few circumstances an immediate implant can be placed.

Tooth loss – Long Term Options

After the appropriate healing period has taken place a patient has 4 main long term options. Laid out below is some pros and cons of all four options –

Do Nothing (leave the gap)

Pros
– Cheap
– Non-invasive


Cons
– Movement of adjacent teeth can happen tipping and rotating
– Movement of opposing teeth (over-eruption)
– Unsightly at front of mouth

Consequences of not replacing missing teeth

Dentures

Dentures - tooth loss - replacement - Available at Cork Dentists - Shandon Dental

Dentures are a removable appliance whose base is constructed in acrylic or metal used to replace 1 or more teeth. Read more here

Pros

  • Cost effective, can restore multiple teeth(gaps) at once for same price
  • Easy to construct
  • Non invasive – no alteration of adjacent teeth
  • Can be added to later if more teeth lost

Cons

  • Removable must be taken out and left out while sleeping
  • Partially or fully covers palate
  • Can affect taste
  • Affects speech short term

Dental Bridge

dental bridge - tooth loss - replacement  cork city dentists

A bridge is a fixed appliance attached to adjacent tooth/teeth. Read more about dental bridges here

Pros

  • Fixed in place
  • Aesthetic
  • Quick to construct (typically 2-3 weeks)
  • Good long term prognosis

Cons

  • Involves adjacent teeth
  • Can involving cutting down (alteration) of adjacent tooth/teeth
  • Requires solid adjacent teeth
  • Limitations as to how many teeth can be placed on bridge

Implant

Dental Implants - tooth loss - replacement - Cork City

A dental implant involves the placement of a titanium screw in the jaw bone and attaching a dental prosthesis (crown, bridge, denture) to it. Read more about dental implants here.

Pros

  • Fixed in place
  • Good long term prognosis
  • Can be used to restore wide gaps (several teeth)
  • Aesthetically pleasing to the eye

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Involves surgical procedure
  • Healing required post surgical procedure
  • Not suitable for all cases

Not sure which options is best for you?? Read some more on these options here https://www.shandondental.ie/our-treatments/

Still not sure??
Book a consult with us so we can talk you through your options with emphasis on your needs – https://www.shandondental.ie/contact-us/

References – Consequences of tooth loss video