What Are My Options If I Have Missing Teeth?

Missing TeethIf you are wondering, “what are my options if I have missing teeth?”, you are not alone. Many adults have had teeth extracted due to severe decay or periodontal disease while scores of others have lost one or more teeth in an accident or because of an injury.

Missing teeth can cause a variety of problems, not the least of which is how an unsightly gap can cause awkwardness or embarrassment and play havoc with your self-confidence, especially when you smile.

However, from the viewpoint of your dental health, an unattractive smile caused by missing teeth is not the most significant problem. If the gap is not filled, the teeth on both sides lose their support and tend to lean in towards the empty space, which can lead to a number of other issues, such as excessive wear, problems with your "bite," and since crooked teeth are harder to keep clean, a greater chance of them decaying.

Additionally, all bone needs stimulation to maintain density, which is why load-bearing exercise is so important. Stimulation to the jawbone is provided by the action of the teeth; therefore, if they are missing, the jaw begins to deteriorate. A shrinking jaw alters the facial structure, causing the person to look older than they are. Last, but certainly not least, missing molars can make chewing a bit of a challenge.

Considering the possible consequences, it is very important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Luckily, modern dentistry gives us a number of options depending on how many natural teeth you have lost and the condition of the remaining ones.

The Options to Replace Missing Teeth

Dentures:

Should you have few remaining natural teeth, you can be fitted with a complete set of upper and/or lower teeth, which are custom made to conform to the bony ridges of your jaw. Modern technology has made dentures much more comfortable and far more natural-looking than those your grandparents may have worn. Additionally, on the positive side, they can be taken out and cleaned.

Bridges and Crowns:

As the name suggests, a traditional dental bridge literally bridges the gap left by missing teeth. A crown, which is a tooth-shaped "cap" that partially or completely covers the visible part of the tooth, is made for the teeth on either side of the gap. A pontic, or false tooth, is then anchored to the crowns.

However, if the surrounding teeth are broken or infected, or if they have undergone a root canal, the bridge will have to be secured to an implant embedded in the jaw itself. In which case, they are not removable. These "fixed bridges" not only look and feel very natural but are just as comfortable as your natural teeth. Additionally, fixed bridges are usually much more stable than full dentures, which rely solely on the soft tissues of the mouth for support. If you are wondering, “what are my options if I have missing teeth?” and are interested in a non-surgical solution, this is an excellent option.

Dental Implants:

Dental implants are permanently fixed in the jaw itself. The implant itself is a post made of titanium, which, when surgically placed into the bone under anesthesia, takes the place of the root of the missing tooth. This implant takes anywhere from two to four months to fuse to the bone, after which a crown is attached to the small part of the implant that protrudes out of the gum. Although the procedure is more complicated than traditional dentures, dental implants have a very high success rate and can last a lifetime. Additionally, after the healing period, they neither look nor feel any different from your natural teeth and rarely have the problems that can accompany conventional dentures.

If you are missing any of your adult teeth, there are several options to replace them. After a thorough and complete examination of your mouth, which will include the health of your remaining natural teeth and the bone density in the area of the missing teeth, we will recommend what kind of replacement would be best suited to your situation.  You do not need to wonder, “what are my options if I have missing teeth?” since we can present you with all of the possible solutions in our dental office.

Recent Posts

Three Ways To Replace A Missing Tooth

A missing tooth for a child is a rite of passage for the introduction of adult teeth. However, losing an adult tooth is a problem. A missing tooth has adverse effects on oral health, without considering the obvious cosmetic impact. However, all is not lost. There are tooth replacement options available to consider.Different options are…

Guide To Artificial Teeth For Replacing Missing Teeth

Having missing teeth can make you self-conscious about the way your smile looks and increase the risk of oral health issues later in life. Thus, it is important to have a healthy set of teeth. The condition of your teeth is one of the first things people notice about you. People you interact with also…

Don't Let Missing Teeth Ruin Your Smile

Don't let missing teeth get in the way of enjoying life. Call us to hear options for replacing missing teeth.We offer several options for replacing missing teeth at our office. We will examine your teeth to determine the most effective replacement for a brighter smile and functional set of teeth that you can easily use.Options…

We Can Replace Missing Teeth In Your Smile

Repair the appearance of your smile and regain function of a full set of teeth with our replacement options.We offer multiple teeth replacement options, depending on the state of your teeth and the dental issue you're experiencing. We will find the best solution to restore your teeth in functionality and appearance.Multiple Teeth Replacement OptionsAt St.…


Recent Posts

One Day Dentures In St  George, Utah

One Day Dentures In St. George, Utah

Missing teeth can impact your confidence and overall quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology, like one day dentures, offer a quick and convenient solution. St. George Dental Care is committed to providing modern dental services that help you achieve a healthy, gorgeous smile. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of…

Addressing Smoker Teeth: Prevention And Care

Addressing Smoker Teeth: Prevention And Care

Smoking can take a toll on your health, including your oral health. Smoker teeth are a common issue faced by many smokers, leaving them with stained and unhealthy teeth. This blog aims to shed light on the causes of smoker teeth and provide practical tips to prevent them.Smoker teeth refer to the discoloration and deterioration…