If a natural tooth is dislodged by trauma, it can sometimes be salvaged if proper precautions are taken. However, in some cases, the tooth is lost. Even though the loss of a tooth may be a traumatic event, there are two replacement options available through cosmetic dentistry to restore the appearance of your smile along with your chewing ability. Here are two of them: 

Dental Implants

A dental implant is a surgically inserted prosthetic root. The implant, which is usually made of titanium, is drilled into the jaw bone. Once in place, the bone cells of the jaw fuse or connect with the implant through a healing process known as osseointegration. Once osseointegration has occurred, the implanted screw becomes secure in the bone, and a connector and dental crown can be attached.

The dental crown can be fitted in the mouth to match the size, color and contours of matching teeth to ensure that the replacement tooth looks completely natural.

The dental implant should last as long as a natural tooth would. In other words, the implant is designed to last the lifetime of the dental patient. Still, regular dental hygiene should be observed just as it would be for a natural tooth. Periodontal disease is associated with a loss of jawbone density that could result in a dental implant failure as well as in the loss of natural teeth.

A Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is also considered a permanent dental appliance. The bridge, which is made of a base with a dental crown on each end and one or more false teeth in the middle, must fit the mouth of the patient precisely. Thus, during an initial visit, the dentist will make a mold or impression of the patient's mouth. From that impression, the bridge can be precisely fabricated at a dental laboratory. Once the bridge is sent back from the lab, it can be affixed to the teeth.

The natural teeth on which the bridge crowns will rest must be debrided so that the crowns fit properly without negatively impacting dental alignment.

The care of the dental bridge is generally the same as it would be for natural teeth. However, it is important to clean the space between the false tooth suspended in the center of the bridge and the gums beneath it. Sometimes, even though a dental bridge is properly fitted, a small particle of food can become trapped there and inflame gums if proper flossing is not regularly conducted.

If you have a missing tooth, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist in your area to discuss tooth replacement options that are suitable for you.