If you have missing teeth, it can affect your confidence. You may not want to smile. Dental implants in Pleasanton, CA could be the answer. A visit to the office of Dr. Jeffrey Teutsch can set your mind at rest about getting your tooth replaced. 

Missing tooth

You may have a missing tooth for many reasons. It may have become damaged as the result of a too-large filing or biting on something that breaks it. Sports frequently lead to a tooth being knocked out or a fall or other accident can cause the loss of a tooth. Teeth may be extracted to allow radiation for cancer. An infection can cause a tooth to need to be removed. A tooth may fall out on its own from gum disease. No matter what the cause, having a missing tooth may cause you anxiety. 

Options for replacing a missing tooth

Once a tooth is missing, you can start thinking about the options you have for replacing it. The location of the tooth will probably determine how quickly you will want this to be done. If it is a molar, it is less pressing than if it was a front tooth. To replace a missing tooth, you have three options; a bridge, a partial denture, or a dental implant.  

Bridge

A bridge replaces a missing tooth but places three new teeth into your mouth. You need two healthy teeth, one on either side of the missing tooth. These two healthy teeth are prepared for a crown and are crowned. The two crowns support the new tooth that replaces the tooth you have lost. 

Partial denture

A partial denture is usually used to replace multiple teeth and is removable. 

Dental implant

Dental implants in Pleasanton, CA, are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They are not, however, for everyone. Your gums need to be healthy, and you need to have enough bone to support them. If you have minor bone loss, a graft can repair the problem, but not always. If you are not healthy, have out-of-control diabetes, or have other health issues that might make healing an issue, then dental implants may not be the right choice. 

A dental implant is a titanium screw that is attached to your jaw bone. Once it is healed, a crown is attached to the implant. The crown will function and look like a natural tooth and provide years of service if well cared for.  

If you have missing teeth, you have options. One of them is dental implants. In Pleasanton, CA, Dr. Teutsch offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services at his office.To make an appointment for a consultation, call 925-846-2375.