Missing teeth can negatively affect the quality of life, impacting speech and dietary habits. Dr. Brent Blaylock offers tooth replacement options for patients who have lost one or more 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 thoroughly examines and discusses 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 are more than just a cosmetic issue. While gaps in your smile may affect your confidence, they can also lead to serious oral health problems. Teeth play a crucial role in chewing, speaking, and maintaining the structure of your jawbone. When even a single tooth is lost, it can have long-term effects on your dental health and overall well-being.
Difficulty Chewing and Digestive Problems
One of the biggest problems caused by missing teeth is difficulty chewing. Teeth help break down food into smaller pieces, making it easier to swallow and digest. When teeth are missing, it becomes harder to chew properly, which may cause people to avoid certain foods, especially hard or crunchy ones. This can lead to an unbalanced diet that lacks essential nutrients. Poor chewing can also contribute to digestive issues, as the stomach has to work harder to break down improperly chewed food.
Changes in Speech
Teeth play an important role in speech. Missing teeth, especially in the front of the mouth, can make it difficult to pronounce certain words. This can cause a person to speak with a lisp or develop other speech problems. Over time, these difficulties may affect confidence and social interactions. People with missing teeth may find themselves avoiding conversations or feeling self-conscious when speaking in public.
Shifting of Surrounding Teeth
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth lose support and may begin to shift into the space. This movement can cause misalignment, leading to crooked teeth and bite problems. When teeth move out of place, they become harder to clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment may be needed to correct the shifting, but replacing the missing tooth early can prevent this issue.
Jawbone Deterioration
Teeth stimulate the jawbone and help maintain its strength. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area no longer receives stimulation and begins to weaken. Over time, this can lead to bone loss, which affects the structure of the face. People with multiple missing teeth may experience a sunken or aged appearance due to jawbone deterioration. Dental implants are often recommended because they provide the necessary stimulation to preserve the jawbone.
Increased Risk of Gum Disease and Decay
A missing tooth creates a gap where food and bacteria can accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease. Additionally, when surrounding teeth shift due to a missing tooth, they may become misaligned, making them harder to clean. Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup, which causes cavities, gum infections, and tooth loss. Addressing a missing tooth as soon as possible helps prevent these complications.
Bite Problems and Jaw Pain
Missing teeth can cause an uneven bite, leading to jaw pain and discomfort. When teeth are not properly aligned, the jaw muscles must work harder to compensate for the missing tooth. Over time, this strain can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, causing pain in the jaw, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Replacing missing teeth can help restore a balanced bite and prevent unnecessary stress on the jaw.
Loss of Confidence and Self-Esteem
For many people, missing teeth affect their self-esteem and confidence. A gap in the smile can make individuals feel embarrassed or self-conscious, leading them to avoid smiling, laughing, or speaking in social situations. This can have a significant impact on personal and professional interactions. Restoring a missing tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or denture can improve appearance and confidence.
Increased Risk of Further Tooth Loss
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth take on extra pressure during chewing. This added stress can cause them to wear down faster and become more susceptible to damage. Additionally, bone loss in the jaw can weaken the foundation of other teeth, increasing the likelihood of further tooth loss. Treating a missing tooth promptly helps maintain the strength and health of the remaining teeth.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options
Dr. Blaylock offers many options for patients 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. 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 more than 95% success rate. 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 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. If some natural teeth remain, we also offer partial dentures. 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 replace one or more missing teeth. It is a set of fake teeth fused together with dental crowns on each end and secured to existing teeth. To place a bridge, we must prepare the adjacent natural teeth to accommodate the crowns. Many dental bridges are available, including implant-secured dental bridges, which are permanent and extremely long-lasting.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Missing teeth can have detrimental impacts on your oral health. Learn more.
Is replacing teeth expensive?
Many factors will determine the cost of tooth replacement. The main cost determinant is the number of missing teeth. It also depends on which treatment you decide to use. Dental implants are the most costly option, but they also offer the greatest benefits.
How much dental insurance coverage you have also determines affordability. Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for dental restorations. It is best to schedule a consultation to understand the cost. 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. Some patients suffer from dental anxiety and avoid the dentist, which 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.
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 yearly will help avoid tooth decay and gum disease, leading to tooth loss. Additionally, a 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. Not addressing missing teeth 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 their smile’s proper function and aesthetics.
Is it normal to have missing teeth?
It is not uncommon for people to have missing teeth, which can become more common as people 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 further tooth loss.
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.