Extracted or lost teeth can have a negative effect on one’s appearance and can affect the efficiency of the oral structure. Chewing, biting, and speaking all require teeth to perform and when one or more natural teeth are missing from the dental arch, it can cause concern. Additionally, patients who are missing natural teeth may experience problems such as the shifting of their existing teeth, which can only be fixed with orthodontic treatment. Restorative services through StarBrite Dental with Dr. Munira Lokhandwala should be considered as soon as possible to ensure the preservation of the smile.
In many cases, patients who have lost one or more teeth may consider the benefits of dental implant treatment. Dr. Lokhandwala of San Jose often suggests this restorative solution as it is considered one of the most beneficial methods of repairing a smile. Her practice focuses on providing both general and cosmetic dentistry for patients of all ages and wants to make sure her patients look and feel their best. Dental implant treatment can restore a smile’s function and appearance after tooth loss.
Dental implants are titanium posts that Dr. Lokhandwala will surgically place into the jawbone. Ideal candidates for this procedure are those who have a necessary bone structure under the gum tissue and those who take good care of their smile between dental visits. Patients with areas of decay or periodontal disease are often advised not to consider dental implants until their oral health improves, as this can negatively affect the placement of the implant and its success. X-rays and an examination are recommended to ensure patients are appropriate candidates for this treatment before consideration.
Alternative methods of restoring the smile include dental bridges and dentures. Dental bridges are porcelain restorations made to replace one or more teeth in a row by fusing replacement teeth to crowns. The crowns are then bonded over the adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Dentures, such as partial dentures, are acrylic and metal appliances that snap into place within the dental arch to allow false teeth to slide in where the natural teeth are missing.
