Just one missing tooth can affect your smile, self-confidence, facial structure, your jawbone, joints, and surrounding muscle. You wouldn’t think an individual tooth could hold such importance, but it does. Your tooth is like a bone. If you were to lose part of your bone from any part of your body, there would be numerous repercussions. It’s tempting not to worry about replacing one tooth, especially if it is a back tooth, or molar. But ignoring tooth loss can be a mistake. Your Lake Orion, MI dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield, can discuss the options available for replacing missing teeth.
Dental Bridge
A bridge literally “bridges” the gap between two teeth. A bridge can be used to replace one or more teeth and is “anchored” to the original teeth still in place–abutment teeth–on either side of where the tooth loss occurred. The abutment teeth and metal attachments permanently hold the prosthetic teeth in place. Custom made and durable, dental bridges were commonly used before implants.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures are also referred to as snap-on dentures, and are suitable for replacing one or more teeth. Implant supported dentures are stable and can last a lifetime. The dental implant, a titanium post, is drilled into the tooth socket of the jaw and allowed to fuse with the bone. This can take a few months. Then, the denture fabricated to match your natural surrounding teeth, is snapped onto the implant posts for a lifelike dental prosthesis. Implant-retained dentures do not require adhesive or natural suction.
For patients with minor tooth loss, your Lake Orion, MI dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield, offers dental bridges and implant-retained dentures. He also offers full and partial dentures for patients who require replacement teeth for the full upper or lower arch, or both.
About Lake Orion Family Dentistry
If you would like more information on soft tissue laser therapy, ask Dr. Brad Greenfield. He can explain which procedures can and can’t utilize dental lasers. At Lake Orion Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves in providing the most effective and convenient dentistry. To schedule an appointment with your Lake Orion, MI laser dentist, call (248) 693-6213. Also, visit our website for services, patient forms, and smile gallery. We happily serve patients in Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Oxford, Lake Orion, and neighboring communities.
