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Replace a Missing Tooth: Restorative Dentistry

We've come a long way from the "yank 'em" philosophy of early dentistry, before techniques and materials gave us the wherewithal to save teeth. These days, there's rarely a case we can't salvage. It's a good time for dentists - saving teeth is why we get up in the morning.

The way we see it, a missing tooth is more than just a hindrance to normal chewing, more than a cosmetic bother. It's a threat to the entire architecture of your mouth.

The mouth is dynamic. Where there is a missing tooth, neighboring teeth drift, gum disease may crop up, even the unprotected bone ridge is susceptible to damage.

So we replace the missing tooth with a dental bridge, or rescue a broken down tooth with a dental crown.

Bridges are partnered with crowns to resolve gaps left by missing teeth. The idea is to replace teeth with false, or "pontic" teeth, anchored to crowns at either end, and fixed in place. Quality bridgework looks and feels very natural, one of dentistry's mainstays and our first restoration choice whenever possible.

Partial dentures, too, are dependent on your remaining teeth for support, but are attached by clasps or "precision attachments." Complicated partials can be engineering marvels, filling in for missing teeth on both sides of the dental arch. The success of partials depends in part on the strength of attachment teeth.

Complete dentures are not the end of the line, dentally speaking. A good, well-fitting denture can come close to a full complement of teeth, and contribute to a youthful aspect, as well.

Dental implants are the newest remedy for missing teeth, to replace a single tooth, or to support an overdenture. People who have implants all agree: why didn't I do this sooner?

Replace missing teeth with cosmetic dental work? Do it. Restorative dentistry has a way.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Cosmetic Dentistry: A Smile Makeover

With recent advances in cosmetic dental technology, what was once considered impossible can now be performed routinely. We now have the means and the know-how to treat such conditions as discolored, crooked, and missing teeth - often in one or two visits to a cosmetic dentist, and often without discomfort.

Porcelain veneers have now become a standard part of cosmetic dentistry. These veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front teeth. Using porcelain veneers, we can change the shape, color and length of your teeth in only two visits - instant orthodontics!

Dental bonding is a widely used phrase that describes how tooth-colored fillings are placed. Using dental bonding, we can eliminate discolored areas, fill in gaps, and also build back areas of gum recession.

Composite fillings (tooth-colored fillings) can now be placed in the back molar areas when tooth decay is detected. These fillings can be used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings and are virtually invisible. Dentists have fun placing composite fillings and patients like them, too.

Teeth whitening is a great treatment for generalized yellow or stained teeth. With custom-fabricated tooth bleaching trays, the bleaching procedure can be done at home at your own convenience. The process generally takes about four to six weeks and the results are very impressive.

With the treatment options available today, it's possible to have the smile you've always wanted. Let your dentist know if you're interested in learning more about these advances in cosmetic dentistry.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.