Missing teeth can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life, impacting speech and dietary habits. Dr. Brent Blaylock offers teeth replacement options for patients who have lost one or more of their teeth due to an accident, injury, or disease. Gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss. Visit your dentist in Durham, NC, for complete tooth replacement services in a caring environment.
Dr. Blaylock will thoroughly examine and discuss a patient’s dental health and cosmetic goals before recommending appropriate treatment. The goal of tooth replacement is always to restore oral health and the patient’s quality of life with lasting results.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth should be treated as quickly as possible. Once a tooth is lost, its root is no longer present to stimulate the bone. Without stimulation, the jaw bone will begin to deteriorate. It will continue to deteriorate if no treatment is sought, making replacement options more and more difficult and potentially affecting other teeth. Bone deterioration also leads to your face sunken in the area where you’re missing the tooth.
You’re at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth decay when one tooth is lost. You’re also at a higher risk of losing more of your teeth. The teeth in your mouth rely on each other. When there’s a hole in your smile, the other teeth shift to fill in that gap. If you’ve previously had treatment for crooked teeth, the impacts may be canceled out by having a missing tooth. It’s possible you’ll need to repeat that treatment.
Even one missing tooth throws off the balance of your bite. The pressure when you bite isn’t evenly distributed, so some teeth take on more than their fair sure. These teeth wear down faster and are more likely to break or crack. An uneven bite also leads to trouble with TMJ disorders. These impact the way your jaw functions and can cause pain throughout the face, neck, and shoulders.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options
Dr. Blaylock offers many options for patients who are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth. The option that will work for you will depend on how many teeth you are missing and where they are located. While our Durham office offers traditional replacement methods, we will always recommend dental implants if you qualify for them. Implants offer many more benefits than traditional dentures and bridges, including a better quality of life.
Dental Implants – Dental implants are the most lifelike replacements for missing teeth. They are a permanent solution for tooth loss, with a success rate of more than 95%. Implants are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. They are the only option to replace the tooth root, thus preventing bone loss. Implants can be restored with a dental crown for a single missing tooth or a denture or bridge when multiple teeth are missing. Learn more about dental implants:
- Dental Implants in Durham, NC
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants FAQ
- Types of Dental Implants
Dentures– A denture is a set of fake teeth that replace either the top or bottom teeth or both. We also offer partial dentures if there are some natural teeth remaining. Partials essentially fill in the gaps in your smile. Dr. Blaylock offers a variety of dentures, including implant-supported dentures, which offer better retention and long-term benefits than traditional removable dentures.
Dental Bridges – A dental bridge can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is a set of fake teeth fused together with dental crowns on each end and secured to existing teeth. The adjacent natural teeth must be prepared to accommodate the crowns to place a bridge. Many types of dental bridges are available, including implant-secured dental bridges, which are permanent and extremely long-lasting.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Is replacing teeth expensive?
There are many factors that will go into the cost of your teeth replacement. The main cost determinant is the number of missing teeth. Also, it depends on which treatment you decide to use. Dental implants are the most costly option. However, it also offers the greatest benefits. How much dental insurance coverage you have also determined the affordability. Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for dental restorations. It is best to schedule a consultation to get an idea of the cost. Here, your dentist will create a treatment plan, and we will be able to give you an estimated cost of treatment.
What causes missing teeth?
The first cause of tooth loss is a lack of proper oral health. Many people develop oral diseases, which eventually cause their teeth to fall out. There are some patients who suffer from dental anxiety and avoid the dentist. This causes many oral health issues that will result in tooth loss. However, trauma to the mouth can also lead to tooth loss. No matter what causes it, we recommend immediate treatment to prevent further problems from developing.
How can I prevent tooth loss?
The best way to prevent tooth loss is to take good care of your teeth and gums. Daily brushing with fluoride-based toothpaste is vital. Also, you should floss at least once daily to remove food particles between your teeth. Visiting the dentist twice a year will help avoid tooth decay and gum disease, leading to tooth loss. Additionally, having an overall healthy lifestyle and never using tobacco will contribute to good oral health and help you avoid tooth loss.
What are the dangers of missing teeth?
Missing teeth can cause a variety of oral health problems. It can lead to jawbone loss, risk of decay and gum disease in the surrounding teeth, and misalignment in your bite. Moreover, missing teeth can also impact your self-esteem. If you do not address missing teeth, it can result in jawbone deterioration, which may lead to facial sagging that alters your entire facial structure. Discuss teeth replacement options with your dentist today. Our teeth replacement options include dental implants and dental bridges.
Is it okay to not replace a missing tooth?
Most dentists will recommend that you replace a missing tooth if you can., Missing teeth can lead to long-term consequences for oral health. They can cause neighboring teeth to shift, which increases the chances of periodontal disease and may lead to difficulty eating or speaking. Additionally, gaps in the mouth often cause bone loss over time. As a result, dentists usually suggest that people replace missing teeth with either bridges or implants to restore the proper function and aesthetics of their smile.
Is it normal to have missing teeth?
It is not uncommon for people to have missing teeth. Missing teeth can become more common in people as they age. It can happen to anyone. Adults can lose their teeth as a result of injury, tooth decay, gum disease, poor dental hygiene, and even genetics. It is important to replace missing teeth to maintain good oral health and prevent losing more teeth. There are options to replace missing teeth, such as dental implants, dentures, dental bridges, and tooth crowns. You should schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss the best solution for your case.