Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Dentists in Derby, Derbyshire 44 Main Street, Etwall, Derby, Derbyshire DE65 6LP
01283 733391
Having a set of teeth that you can be comfortable with can change the way you live your life. A healthy, complete smile not only supports everyday functions such as eating and speaking, but also plays an important role in your confidence and overall wellbeing. When you feel happy with your teeth, you’re more likely to smile freely, engage socially, and enjoy a better quality of life without worrying about discomfort or appearance.
On occasion, for a variety of reasons, you may lose teeth. This can happen gradually over time or unexpectedly due to injury or underlying dental issues. Regardless of the cause, losing one or more teeth can have a significant impact on both your oral health and self-esteem. The good news is that modern dentistry offers a number of reliable and effective tooth replacement options, all designed to restore function, improve aesthetics, and help you regain confidence in your smile.
The primary cause of tooth loss is gum disease, accounting for approximately 70% of cases. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease involves the bacteria and inflammation in the gums dismantling the gum tissues and will often destroy the jawbone underneath the gums, resulting in no support for the teeth.
Others may be affected by cavities – holes in teeth caused by a bacterial infection that turns into tooth decay. When left untreated, cavities break down pulp at the centre of teeth, which subsequently leads to the need for root canal treatment or even complete removal of the tooth. Cavities are certainly preventable, by practising a good oral health routine. Opting for healthy, sugar-free food and drink, brushing your teeth and making regular trips to the dentist will give your teeth the best chance to remain completely healthy.
Alternatively, people may experience physical injury or trauma, which causes the loss of a tooth. Most commonly through sports, we recommended always wearing a gum shield if you think there is any possibility of a potential tooth loss. There are also a number of day-to-day measures you can take to ensure your teeth remain intact. Don’t use your teeth to remove tops or lids, tear off tags or loosen knots. When eating, try not to use your teeth to chew ice, open nut shells or chew on popcorn kernels.
Finally, there are a number of diseases and risk factors that may contribute to the loss of a tooth. Diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and smoking are among some of the common causes, so be sure to mention any diseases and/or lifestyle choices to your dentist, so you can work together to prevent tooth loss.
Fortunately, there are now a number of options available to patients suffering from tooth loss.
Dental implants are commonly used when you need to replace a single tooth, or when you’re missing teeth in several different areas of your mouth. In short, a replacement tooth is mounted on to an implant, allowing the tooth to remain set in place. The main benefit of dental implants is that they resemble natural teeth and can last for decades when cared for correctly.
Consider dental implants a permanent base for replacement teeth. Read more on our dental implants page.
If an implant isn’t the right option for you, fixed dental bridges may be an option. If you’re missing teeth in the same area, this treatment may be ideal. Fixed bridges overlay a gap caused by a missing tooth via a dental prosthetic or artificial tooth. The dental prosthetic will be attached to adjacent teeth and bonded in place using dental cement. As with dental implants, bridges both look and feel like your natural teeth, making for a subtle treatment.
Find out more about dental bridges at Etwall Dental Practice, here.
If you are missing a small amount of teeth, our dentists may recommend a removable partial denture. These dentures consist of replacement teeth, set atop a natural-looking base. The base is designed to match the colour of your gums and is held in place by the remaining teeth. In some cases, a clasp will be used, which adjoins to the natural teeth.
If you need to replace multiple teeth, partial dentures may be for you. Read more here.
Our dental experts are vastly experienced in providing the best solution for missing teeth. If you’re looking to replace missing teeth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Your oral health and dental care is of the foremost importance to us. If you feel as though you may require dental treatment, please get in touch with us via phone on 01283 733391 or fill out our contact form and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, please see a full list of Treatments.
Missing teeth can affect chewing function and may cause surrounding teeth to shift.
Restoring missing teeth helps restore bite balance and chewing efficiency.
Restoring missing teeth improves the appearance of the smile and can enhance facial symmetry.
Early replacement is often recommended to prevent shifting of surrounding teeth and maintain bite alignment.
Yes. Restoring teeth can help improve clarity and pronunciation in some cases.
Dentists assess each case individually to recommend the most suitable solution.
