Options for missing teeth at a dentist in West Byfleet
Missing teeth can not only be an embarrassing situation for many people who suffer from a few gaps in their smile, but it can also make life difficult when it comes to chewing food. This in turn may lead to problems involving a lack of nutrition, due to the inability to consume whole foods. Thankfully however we at Byfleet Dental, your local dentist in West Byfleet, have several options regarding the issue of missing teeth.
The causes explained
Why your teeth may be missing can be related to a number of causes and understanding this is a good first step for oral hygiene.
Injury – the most straightforward and simple cause of missing your pearly whites could happen in many ways, usually, a violent knock to the face will do it, but whatever the situation that may have occurred, there is a solution to your problem, so keep reading.
Genetic condition – unfortunately, none of us can run away from our genetics, but disorders regarding missing teeth are quite rare and the solutions are fairly straightforward.
Tooth decay – the damage of the structure of a tooth, caused by acids in your mouth, results in the softening of your tooth enamel. If this is left untreated, a cavity or hole in the tooth can eventually occur and further ignoring the cavity will result in having to have the tooth completely removed.
Gum disease – starting with gingivitis, (which is inflammation of the gums often accompanied by bleeding that goes untreated due to poor oral hygiene), can become a periodontal disease that affects the tissue supporting the teeth. As it gets worse, the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw gets lost which may result in teeth falling out.
It is important to have regular check-ups and visits to your dentist in West Byfleet, and to practice good oral hygiene, like brushing your teeth after meals and flossing regularly, to avoid things like tooth decay and gum disease.
What is the solution?
At your dentist in West Byfleet, we offer solutions to gaining your gorgeous smile back no matter your age or the condition of your teeth. After a consultation with us you may be presented with a number of solutions to choose from.
Dentures – This is a good solution if all of your natural teeth are missing. A mould is taken of your mouth and then a set of dentures are designed for you in a laboratory, they are made from a hard-wearing material that mimics the look of teeth. The dentures are completely removable so that they can be properly cleaned.
Dental implants – while losing your natural teeth may seem like a personal disaster and perhaps the thought of a full set of dentures – similar to those you may have seen your grandparents wearing – is not all too appealing, there is a safe solution thanks to advancements in modern dentistry that will give you the confidence to go about your daily life as usual.
A small metal screw is placed in the jaw in the place of a missing tooth and crowns or implant-supported dentures may be fitted securely on top of it, creating a natural-looking and stable restoration of your teeth.