The good news for patients with dental concerns like missing teeth is that there are many replacement options. With advances in modern dentistry, replacement teeth are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. More treatment options mean better choices for patients looking for a solution that fits their health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget.
Tooth loss can lead to secondary oral health complications. Replacing missing teeth as soon after a loss as possible can help patients avoid additional damage to their gums, teeth, and jaw. Patients with missing teeth are more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, additional tooth loss, and bone deterioration. Missing teeth make it difficult to chew and may prevent patients from sharing their beautiful smiles. Replacing missing teeth is essential for maintaining your oral health.
Which Treatment is Best for Replacing Missing Teeth?
The primary options for replacing missing teeth are dental bridges, implants, and dentures. Each type of treatment has its own advantages. Our dentists, Dr. Maria Burmaster and Dr. Valerie Hemphill, can help you choose which treatment is right for you.
- Dental Bridges – A dental bridge is an affordable treatment option for replacing missing teeth. The bridge can be either removable (flipper teeth) or fixed. A fixed bridge is anchored either with dental crowns and/or dental implants.
- Dental Implants – A dental implant is a more permanent solution for missing teeth. The implant actually replaces the root of the tooth, becoming fully integrated with the bone. Dental implants are generally the most expensive replacement option, but they also require the least maintenance. Not all patients qualify for dental implants. The location of the missing tooth, as well as the overall health of the patient and bone structure, will be evaluated before the dentist recommends treatment.
- Denture – A denture is used when a person is missing all of their upper or lower teeth. The denture can either be removable or secured using dental implants. An implant denture is more expensive than a removable denture, but it offers patients a higher quality of life and a level of comfort.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Do I have to replace a missing tooth?
Even one missing tooth has a large impact on your smile. It can minimize your confidence and make you want to hide your smile. But it also leads to further oral health problems. Once you lose the tooth root, the bone deteriorates in that area. When you’re missing one tooth, you’re more likely to suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and losing other teeth. It can impact your diet, as your ability to chew may be compromised.
How does a missing tooth impact your face?
The jawbone deteriorates in the area where a tooth is missing. It continues to do so, more and more, as time goes on. The muscles in that area weaken because they don’t have the full support of the jawbone. Your face sags, leading to more wrinkles and a premature aging effect.
Does one missing tooth affect my other teeth?
Yes, missing a tooth impacts the alignment of your bite. Once a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will move and shift to try and fill the hole. If you’ve previously had orthodontics or other bite alignment treatment, the effects of this can be reversed because of a missing tooth.
What happens to my gums when I’m missing teeth?
Gum tissue seals around your tooth. When it doesn’t have anything to seal around, it starts to recede. The actual quality of the gum tissue goes down as well. It becomes thinner in the area around the missing tooth.
Are there further health risks with missing teeth?
Yes, missing teeth can cause complications with more than your oral health. A missing tooth makes you more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease has impacts throughout your entire body. Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and other health issues are all connected to gum disease.
Can I replace just one tooth?
Yes, a dental implant is the recommended choice to replace one missing tooth. However, a dental bridge can also replace a single tooth. We’ll talk to you about your options to determine the right course of treatment for your specific case.
Schedule A Consultation
Our dentist office provides dental care to children and adult patients in the Marrero, LA area. We welcome new patients from all over the greater New Orleans, LA area to experience our comprehensive and compassionate dentistry. If you are experiencing a specific dental concern, or are looking for a new family dentist, contact our dentist office today at 504.358.8632 or request a consultation using our convenient online form.