A variety of factors can lead to adult tooth loss, including poor oral hygiene and an accidental injury. Many patients contact us asking: “I lost a tooth, now what?” Well, first we recommend contacting our office and addressing the immediate discomfort. Then we suggest undergoing treatment to restore the missing tooth. Doing so can help maintain the health and beauty of the smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Replacing Lost Teeth
Question: How do I address a knocked-out tooth?
Answer: First, pick the tooth up (by the crown, never touch the root). Then rinse the tooth under running water to remove dirt and debris, but take care not to remove any tissue adhering to the tooth. Place the tooth back into the socket or in a glass of milk and bring it to the office. If you can’t recover the tooth we can still recommend replacement options.
Question: Do I need to have my missing tooth replaced?
Answer: Yes. Otherwise, you may develop misalignment as surrounding teeth move towards the gap in your smile. Uneven teeth can lead to a greater risk of cavities, gum disease, and even TMJ disorder.
Question: Do I qualify for dental implants?
Answer: If you have an adequate amount of jawbone tissue and gums free of periodontal disease we can most likely place a dental implant. Inserted into the jaw surgically, the implant acts as a natural tooth, lasting up to 25 years.
Question: What is a dental bridge?
Answer: A dental bridge is a replacement option that consists of artificial teeth with a dental crown attached to each end. The crowns are placed on the natural teeth standing on either side of the lost tooth. Once anchored in place, you can enjoy between 10 and 15 years of quality tooth replacement.
ABOUT YOUR BRIGHTON DENTISTS:
Located in Brighton, MA, Brighton Family Dental Group features experienced dentists and an excellent range of in-office treatments for every member of your family who needs dental care. If you’d like to learn more, you can schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Thomas Villani or Dr. Richard Kondrat by calling our office at (617) 562-5210.
