New teeth, same smile

Tooth loss can impact the way people look, eat and live. A tooth can be lost for a few reasons:

• Gum disease – excessive plaque builds on the gum line, leading to bone loss
• Tooth decay – food particles trapped on or between teeth damage the tooth surface overtime, causing cavities
• Trauma – oral injuries from playing sports or falling over – these may require immediate treatment

For those with early signs of gum disease and tooth decay, a consistent oral hygiene routine can help preserve the tooth. However, tooth loss cannot always be prevented.  It is important to replace lost teeth so that a good quality of life can be maintained – nobody wants to stop eating their favourite foods! There are three treatment options for restoring severely damaged or completely missing teeth: crowns, bridges, and dental implants.

Crowning glory

A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth. Crowns are recommended for teeth that are severely worn down, cracked, or weakened.

Crowns can be made from different materials. Some are ceramic, some are metal and some are a combination of materials. There are many things for the patient and the dentist to consider when choosing the most suitable crown material, such as tooth location, the colour of the surrounding teeth, and the function of the tooth (if it is for biting or chewing).

Bridging the gap

Dental bridges are a popular option for replacing one or multiple missing teeth. Traditionally, a bridge needs to be connected to crowns either side of the gap that needs filling. To do this, an impression must be taken of the teeth. A customised bridge will then be made that matches the natural teeth. Strong cement is used to secure the bridge in place.

There are different types of bridge depending on where there is a missing tooth. For instance, a cantilever bridge only connects to one other tooth, rather than two. Getting a bridge may take at least two appointments due to the treatment preparation.

Immaculate implants

Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing teeth. Metal screws are placed in the jawbone to support a crown or bridge. Due to this part of the process, implants are usually recommended for people with healthy gums and a strong jawbone.

Whether needing to replace one or multiple teeth, implant treatment can improve quality of life, and the resulting restorations requires similar day to day care as natural teeth. For individuals missing all of their teeth, a full arch implant treatment can massively transform their lifestyle, by replicating a whole row of teeth to eat and smile with confidence again.

Where we come in

As Scotland’s leading dental group, here at Clyde Munro, we pride ourselves on providing a range of high-quality treatments that use the latest technologies to ensure success. In the event of tooth loss, our dentists can provide excellent crowns, bridges or implants, depending on what you need. With our natural-looking options, you won’t be able to tell the difference! If you have damaged or missing teeth, contact your local Clyde Munro dental team to see how they can help – find your local practice here.