Losing a tooth can be very alarming. After all, once you are past your primary teeth, there are no replacements left for adult teeth. However, if you have lost a tooth, don’t fret. Your Austin TX dentist, Dr. Steven Van Wicklen, can replace it with a lifelike prosthetic that can blend in with your natural teeth. Today’s prosthetics are able to achieve incredible levels of realism. In addition to mimicking the reflective and partially translucent qualities of living teeth, today’s prosthetics are customized to blend in with patients’ natural teeth with the result that it is very difficult to discern between the prosthetic and the living teeth.
Your Tooth-Replacement Options
If you are looking to replace a missing tooth, your Austin TX dentist, Dr. Van Wicklen, can offer you a couple of options. The first option is a dental bridge, a prosthetic featuring one or more prosthetic teeth that are attached to two dental crowns, one on either end. The crowns steady the prosthetic by fitting over the teeth on either edge of the gap that is to be bridged.
Your second tooth-replacement option is a dental implant. Featuring titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone, dental implants mimic a living tooth’s structure. The post corresponds to a tooth’s root, while the prosthetic looks and functions like a tooth’s crown. Because dental implants act as roots for prosthetic teeth, they tend to yield replacement teeth that feel more natural than replacements that rely on suction or the surrounding teeth for stability.
However, when choosing a tooth-replacement method, it is important to factor in a variety of factors, including price. When it comes to price, dental bridges cost less than dental implants. However, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, while dental bridges typically wear out in 7-10 years. Thus, be sure to consider replacement costs and what each restoration will achieve before making your decision.
Replacement Teeth in Austin TX
Whatever your decision regarding replacement teeth, your Austin TX dentist can make the process comfortable and easy for you. Dr. Van Wicklen will use his knowledge and experience to guide you through the entire process, addressing your concerns and providing top-notch care. If you choose to receive a dental implant, Dr. Van Wicklen will refer you to a specialist who is trained in the placement of titanium implants. Following the procedure, Dr. Van Wicklen will complete the implant process by attaching a custom-made prosthetic.
About Dr. Steven Van Wicklen: Dr. Steven Van Wicklen has been serving patients in Austin TX since 1985. New patients can schedule an appointment by calling (512) 448-3131.
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