Quiz: Taking Care Of An Incomplete Smile

It is hard to think of a more significant, or obvious, dental problem than tooth loss. The cosmetic effect can certainly be striking. If you have a gap – or gaps – visible when you smile, you can feel hesitant to show your smile, and suffer a sizable blow to your self-confidence. Of course, this does not mean that people with missing teeth in harder to see areas should feel like they have nothing to worry about. Our jaw functions rely on us having a full set of teeth. Absences can mean compromised function, and that can lead to TMJ problems, and an increased risk for losing more teeth. Bringing concerns about tooth loss to your dentist can lead to you receiving the prosthetic support you need to have a healthy, attractive smile.

Questions:

True Or False: The use of a dental implant to hold a restoration offers the unique advantage of protecting against jawbone resorption, a condition where your jawbone deteriorates and loses mass after tooth loss.

True Or False: A dental bridge makes it possible to have a permanent prosthetic while avoiding oral surgery.

True Or False: Patients who are dealing with advanced tooth loss, but still have some teeth, can receive partial dentures.

Answers:

True! Dental implants provide the stimulation in your jaw that the roots of your teeth are meant to create. By bringing back that stimulation, you can prevent jawbone resorption.

True! The placement of two dental crowns will keep your bridge permanently secured.

True! While many people picture dentures as a full set of teeth, partial dentures can be created to offset your losses, and make your smile complete again.