This was not something you expected to happen. Nevertheless, it’s all too obvious when you speak, eat, and smile that you are missing a tooth.

Your lost tooth may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can quickly lead to other problems. When you are missing a tooth, you may become self-conscious about your smile. You may find eating certain foods has become difficult. Over time, your remaining teeth can begin to “drift” as well. That can further affect your smile, your ability to bite and chew, and your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Below the surface, you may be losing bone density in your jaw. That can increase your risk of further tooth loss … which only complicates the problems we’ve already mentioned.

The good news is that you can replace your missing tooth at Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry in Puyallup, WA. Call 253-999-9419 to make an appointment or keep reading to learn about two ways to fill that gap in your smile.

Take The Traditional Route

For many years, the best solution for a missing tooth was a dental bridge. This has proven to be an effective option for many people. With a bridge, you can have a complete smile. You also can restore your ability to bite and chew most foods.

To get a traditional bridge, the first step is reshaping the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. By removing the outer layer of those teeth, we create an abutment to support your bridge. Dental bridges are built by fusing dental crowns together. For a single missing tooth, the bridge would include three crowns. The outer crowns are bonded to your abutment teeth, and the middle crown fills the empty space in your smile.

Over time, the adhesive bonding material can wear away, which can cause to the bridge to become loose. If that happens, it may be necessary to reshape more teeth and build a bigger bridge to replace what was lost.

However, with proper care, your bridge can last for many years. It remains a great way to restore more than just your smile.

Choose The More Modern Option

With the development of modern dental implants, teeth replacement took another step forward. Implants replace the roots of missing teeth. As a result, they can prevent the bone loss that can occur when a tooth is missing or replaced with a traditional bridge.

Your implant can be placed directly in your jaw. Then, it can provide stable and secure support for a dental crown. With this solution, you have a complete tooth replacement. It also does not require doing anything to otherwise healthy teeth.

With an implant-supported crown, you restore the appearance of our smile and your biting and chewing ability. Is your crown does wear out, you simply replace it with a new one.

Find The Right Solution For YOU

Whether you want a dental bridge or an implant-supported crown, our team can help you replace your missing tooth. To talk to one of our doctors at Smith & Wetterhus Dentistry in Puyallup, WA, start by contacting us online or by calling 253-999-9419.