I have a tooth that looks horrible. It looks like it belongs in something’s mouth, not in a person’s mouth. The tooth is thin and pointy and the shape and color are even different from my other teeth. The tooth is on the left side but if I smile even slightly wide people notice it. I have heard a few thoughtless people joke about it. I want to do something about it now that I have better dental insurance. Can this tooth be pulled and replaced with a dental implant? Ivy
Ivy – If your tooth is healthy and structurally sound, it doesn’t need to be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants replace missing teeth or teeth that cannot otherwise be saved, but nothing is as effective as keeping your natural teeth.
A prosthodontist can examine your tooth and let your know the options for improving its appearance and making it blend perfectly with your natural teeth. This is the time to consider if you want to improve your overall smile by having your teeth whitened. If so, your teeth should be whitened before you receive cosmetic dentistry.
If you need a porcelain veneer or porcelain crown to improve the appearance of your unsightly tooth, it can be made to match your whitened smile. In some cases, teeth whitening and reshaping alone can transform the look of your tooth, but if the tooth in question is narrower than your natural teeth, a porcelain crown or a porcelain veneer will probably be recommended.
Schedule a consultation with a few experienced prosthodontists to discuss your options. Ask to see pictures of patients with similar issues whose smile the dentist has transformed.
This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.
