Around the United Kingdom, there are a large number of people who are living with the effects of missing teeth, whether this is in the form of a single tooth, several teeth, or the complete loss of all their teeth. This often leads to some people feeling forced to make changes to the way they use their mouths in order to feel comfortable or as a way to avoid embarrassment. This can result in some avoiding tougher foods that they feel are a struggle to consume or abstaining from smiling as they may not wish to expose their tooth loss.
It should be recognised that the main cause of tooth loss in this country is being involved in an accident of some kind, such as a road traffic incident, an accident in the home, or suffering an impact to the mouth or jaw on a sports playing field. While it is true that some cases of tooth loss are caused by someone having poor oral hygiene standards, this is not the main culprit.
In recent years, more and more patients who have suffered tooth loss have begun to seek out ways they can replace their missing teeth by using widely known dental devices. Bridges and dentures are examples of such devices. However, some patients who visit a dentist in Tunbridge Wells may wish to seek out a solution that gives them replacement teeth that are fixed in place using dental implants, as they feel this may recreate the natural feel of the way they think their teeth should act.
Providing tooth replacement treatment
When a patient visits a dentist looking for tooth replacement treatment they wish to be informed about the options available to them in a non-judgmental way. The facts they receive should be precise and easy to understand for most people. The advice given should outline the use of the treatment in as much detail as possible, pointing out potential negatives alongside the positives, as this will help a patient to make a fully informed decision about any treatment they are considering.
A patient should attend a consultation to have their teeth, gums, and mouth fully examined before moving ahead with any tooth replacement therapy, as this will help to assess the suitability of any treatment that is to be provided and help to gather the information required by the professional who is providing the treatment.
Following the examination of the patient’s mouth, all available replacement options will be presented to the patient, who will then be able to indicate their preferred treatment option. At this point, a care plan can be drawn up and agreed upon between the patient and the dental care provider, that outlines the steps that are to be taken to successfully complete the tooth replacement treatment.
Gaining the benefits of treatment
There are many reasons why someone would decide to replace their missing teeth and there are many benefits to doing so. Certainly, if they feel they have a self-confidence issue due to the appearance created by a gap in their smile, then replacing the missing teeth could address this. Patients looking for tooth replacement should feel encouraged to approach their dentist to find out more information about their treatment options.
