There are several options available to a dentist when patients present with missing teeth. At Harley Street Dental Clinic we always recommend replacing lost teeth, and have a variety of treatments to suit all needs and budgets.
Teeth may be lost through tooth decay, gum disease, accident or injury. If your tooth is knocked out by accident or injury, it is sometimes possible for your dentist to re-implant it in the socket. Should you suffer a mishap that causes you to lose a tooth, you should book an emergency dental appointment at our Harley Street clinic, bringing your tooth with you if you still have it.
A tooth that has been knocked out should be picked up by the crown (the visible part of the tooth in your mouth). Avoid touching the root. Carefully clean the tooth in cold water if necessary and put it in a clean container covered in milk or your own saliva to bring it to your dentist.
If we can’t re-implant your tooth, your dentist will go through all appropriate tooth replacement options.
Bridges
Bridges are a common way to replace one or two adjacent missing teeth. They comprise a solid precious metal base with false teeth attached. For teeth in your smile line, we add porcelain to the base to make it look more natural. Bridges may be supported by crowns or wings on adjacent teeth, or may be attached to dental implants.
Dentures
Dentures can also be attached to dental implants, or can be made to fit snuggly over the gums. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth while full dentures replace all teeth in one jaw. At our Harley Street clinic, our prosthodontist will create highly natural-looking dentures for you.
Dental implants
Dental implants replace the root portion of a missing tooth. Crowns, bridges or dentures are then attached on top. They are the only permanent way to replace missing teeth.