No matter which tooth you lose to decay or an accident, the impact on your oral health can be dire. Leaving a gap empty for too long causes your remaining teeth to drift out of place, and your jawbone will lose some of its density. Such dental damage can be complex and costly to fix, but if you replace the tooth in a timely manner, you can keep your smile intact. If you want a permanent solution to missing teeth, get in touch with the Carlson Dental Group as soon as you realize you might have empty space to worry about in the future.
There are multiple forms of tooth replacement that can be considered depending on your needs. Patients who have lost just one tooth generally have two choices: fixed bridges or single dental implants.
One of the downsides to getting a bridge is that small amounts of enamel need to be removed to make room for the crowns. Getting an implant instead will let you protect your remaining teeth. Meanwhile, the implant will help you maintain a healthy level of jawbone density and gum tissue volume. Once the post has fully joined with the mouth and has been topped with a dental crown, it will look and feel just like a natural tooth. You can expect an implant to last for 30 years or more with the proper care.