Dental care is a long term proposition – in fact, a life time proposition. Even if you have had half or more of your teeth removed, it’s still important to preserve what is left. Part of that preservation process is to fill in the gaps.

Teeth require support. This starts with the jaw bone, is assisted by the gums, and completed by the remaining teeth. If any one of these areas are compromised then your remaining teeth could have limited life spans, despite your best attempts at dental hygiene. A tooth that is standing alone with no side support is obviously going to struggle and, over time, become weaker. It has to do with the work of all the teeth, unsupported.

By ‘filling in the gaps’, that is, using bridges, dental implants, or partial dentures, those remaining teeth are receiving the support they need. This spreads the load when eating and places less pressure on the tooth and on the surrounding gums, the second line of defense.

Having a good relationship with your dentist is important. Together, you can work at preserving what teeth you do have left – this includes your part when it comes to a regular dental care routine, and the dentists part when it comes to cleaning your teeth, removing any decay, and filling any holes. It will also include choosing the most appropriate means to fill in those gaps. This latter is the one area that many patients ignore – don’t.

Dental implants together with bridges can be a sound long term option. Partial dentures can be uncomfortable to begin with, but over time they too can be a reliable option. Select the option that best suits your circumstances and you will be helping to preserve what’s left of your own teeth for many years to come.

Tags: bridges, dental hygiene, partial dentures