There are a number of reasons that people lose teeth, from physical trauma to tooth decay to gum disease, as well as the inevitable factor of old age. However, if and when you should lose a tooth, you’ll want the utmost assurance that the replacement is going to give you a confident smile. Here is a brief introduction to the different options for replacing missing teeth in Central London.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular option because they replace the lost root of the tooth as well as the tooth, thereby stimulating bone growth and creating a more durable solution. This is achieved by inserting a titanium anchor into the gum, then attaching one or more crowns to it, depending on the number of missing teeth and the density and amount of bone tissue remaining in the gum.

Fixed bridges

Whereas dental implants are attached through the gum, fixed bridges consist of pontics, or false teeth, that are affixed to the neighbouring teeth for support. Provided that you take care of your bridges, they can last up to 15 years, as well as providing you with a natural-looking smile and giving you confidence in your appearance, bite and speech.

Dentures

Unlike bridges and implants, dentures are removable. When worn, they are ordinarily kept in place by suction to the gums, although they have a tendency to come loose when eating certain foods. They also require a rigorous maintenance process, including brushing, soaking and removal of them at night. As a result, many people are now choosing to affix their dentures using implants.

Of course, prevention is better than cure. While little can be done to prevent trauma (besides wearing a sturdy mouth guard while playing contact sports and trying not to fall over teeth-first), good dental hygiene will often go a long way to preventing tooth decay and gum disease. As such, ensure that you brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly.