11 Jan 5 Front-Tooth Replacement Options
When a six-year-old is missing their front baby teeth, it’s cute. But when adult front teeth are missing, it’s not so cute. Front teeth can get knocked out from accidents, falls, and athletic injuries, or just fall out from improper oral hygiene. However it happens, the results are not only aesthetically unappealing, but they can also lead to dental complications down the road. While there are a number of tooth replacement options to choose from, some are better for the front teeth than others. Take a look below at the following five tooth replacement options that are best for front teeth.
- Original tooth
If your front tooth has just been knocked out, there is a chance that you can save it and have it reimplanted. But you’ll have to get to the dentist right away. When handling the tooth, do so gently, touching only the crown, avoiding the root as much as possible. You can either rinse the tooth carefully and place it back in the socket or keep it moist in a cup of milk until you can get to the dentist. If you’re seen within an hour, you may not need to replace it with a prosthetic tooth at all.
- Dental implant
When it comes to anything other than the original tooth, a dental implant is the best front-tooth replacement option. A dental implant replaces the whole tooth, root and crown, making it the most sturdy and comfortable way to restore your smile. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, allowing you to eat the foods you want and smile without self-consciousness. And because the surgical placement of the implant in the jaw prevents bone deterioration, implants are the healthiest option as well as the most natural-looking.
- Tooth-supported fixed bridge
A tooth-supported fixed bridge involves filing down the teeth adjacent to the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth, and fitting them with crowns. A prosthetic tooth (a “pontic”) is fused to the crowns to bridge the gap between them. The tooth-supported fixed bridge looks and feels natural, but because it does not replace the tooth root, it could result in some bone deterioration down the road. It is sturdier than dentures, however, and less expensive than implants.
- Resin-bonded bridge
A resin-bonded bridge also uses the two natural adjacent teeth to support the pontic, but instead of crowns, it involves the use of two small resin wings adhered to the back side of the pontic. Those wings are adhered to the tongue-side of the adjacent teeth to hold the pontic in place. The resin-bonded bridge is used almost exclusively on front teeth because it’s not strong enough to withstand the pressure of biting and chewing that takes place with the back teeth. One of the advantages of the resin-bonded bridge is that it does not involve filing down the adjacent teeth, but it is also somewhat fragile and can become dislodged by certain hard foods.
- Removable partial denture
A removable partial denture can be used to replace two or more teeth even if they’re not adjacent to one another. The removable partial denture consists of a replacement tooth or teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, often with a metal framework that clasps to the natural teeth for support. It can be somewhat bulky and take some getting used to, but it is the least expensive tooth replacement option for front teeth.
How much does it cost to replace a front tooth?
The cost of restoring your smile will depend on the type of front-tooth replacement you opt for, whether or not any additional procedures are required, and what type of insurance coverage you have. The best way to determine which tooth replacement option is best for you, and what it will cost, is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage today. The sooner you replace your missing tooth, the more you’ll have to smile about.
At Smile Designers, we’re committed to providing every patient with excellent service, a positive experience, and a bright, healthy smile. Call 619-222-6000 to schedule an appointment today.