Your teeth have a job to do. They’re not just what people see when you flash that smile. They also work together to help you chew and speak. When you have one or more missing teeth, it can be a disadvantage on a couple of levels.

At Davenport Dental Group in Laredo, TX, we know why you need all of your teeth. We also have lots of options for replacing missing teeth.

Losing a tooth can be traumatic. Whether you lose it due to an accident, decay, or gum disease, you should have the tooth replaced. If not, it can lead to more dental problems in the future.

It goes without saying that a missing tooth in the front of your mouth is embarrassing. There’s no way to hide that gap. You can try to smile less or not smile at all. You can try little tricks like holding your hand in front of your face when you smile. None of those options gives you that confident look you need both socially and in your career.

A tooth missing in the back of your mouth can also cause problems. When you chew you use your back teeth. If there’s a gap there, there could be some discomfort. Also, chewing could irritate the exposed gum and lead to issues like gum disease.

Missing a back tooth also has a cosmetic disadvantage. It can eventually cause your other teeth to shift. This can cause gaps between your front teeth and possibly also make your face look older.

Fortunately, we have several tooth replacement options you can consider. When you make an appointment, one of our dentists can discuss these options with you in depth and find out which suits you best.

Dental Implants

Dental implants can replace a single tooth, several teeth, or they can support a full set of dentures. Implants are titanium posts that are surgically implanted in the jaw. Replacement teeth are then anchored onto the posts.

An implant is similar to a natural tooth in both its appearance and functionality. Some other advantages of implants:

  • Teeth around an implant don’t have to be involved in the procedure. There’s no tooth reduction like there would be with a crown.
  • Implants can last for years, even decades.
  • They may prevent shrinkage of the jawbone from tooth loss.

For more information on dental implants, please visit our individual service page.

Fixed Bridge

A fixed bridge is another option. A fixed bridge fills the space where one or more teeth have been lost. Bridges are made up of three or more crowns that have been bonded together. They are called bridges because the end crowns are bonded to your natural teeth and the middle crown acts as a “bridge” that fills in the gap.

When you come in for a fixed bridge, we will take an impression of the whole area of the missing tooth (or teeth) and the two teeth next to it. We’ll send the impression to a lab and they’ll custom-make a bridge. While we’re waiting for the custom-made bridge, we may fit you with a temporary bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are like regular fixed bridges except that they don’t use your natural teeth for support. We secure implant-supported bridges into your mouth using dental implants.

When a dental implant-supported bridge is used, one or more implants are placed in the jawbone. Then the crowns are connected to form one piece.

Dental implants are ideal for preserving jawbone structure and dental health.

Partial Removable Dentures

Partial removable dentures work like full removable dentures, but they replace only some of your teeth, not an entire arch. They are held in place by clasps that are attached to the surrounding natural teeth. They are a great option if you want a natural-looking way to get function and appearance back to your teeth, and you’re only missing some of your teeth.

You don’t have to live with a missing tooth or teeth. Whether you want to replace a tooth for functional or cosmetic reasons, we can talk to you about the options. Use our online form to set up an appointment with Davenport Dental Group . Or you can call one of the numbers below to set up a consultation.

956-242-6745 Junction Drive

956-517-2695 Winfield