Are you missing one or more teeth?
Stop hiding your smile because of a missing tooth or teeth. Restore your confidence by replacing missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth is not only an aesthetic choice but a choice that improves the form and function of remaining teeth and gums. It is important to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. Failing to can harm the bone health and structure of the mouth.
Why replace missing teeth? Missing teeth can detract from the aesthetics of your natural smile, but they can also contribute to complex oral health concerns. Missing teeth will jeopardize both the function and beauty of your smile. You should replace them as soon as possible to maintain your oral health.
Northeast Philadelphia dentist Dr. Shulman offers a variety of missing tooth treatments to fit your lifestyle, budget, and cosmetic goals.
Most patients will suffer from some form of severe tooth decay or missing teeth in their adult life. Seeking treatment for your lost teeth can help restore your confidence and even may improve your daily social interactions. It is important to note that missing teeth can also lead to serious dental health concerns.
Untreated, missing teeth can lead to:
- Additional tooth loss
- Bone deterioration
- Gum disease
- Damage to remaining teeth
If one or more teeth are missing for a long period of time, oral health can begin to deteriorate. Some problems that arise due to missing teeth are as follows:
- Shifting Teeth
- Crooked Teeth
- Difficulty Chewing
- Bone Loss
- Facial Sagging
Whether your missing teeth stem from injury, decay, or disease, there are multiple professional treatment solutions that restore teeth and improve oral health.
Restorative Treatments for Missing Teeth
Dr. Drew Shulman provides patients with multiple options for replacing missing teeth. Before choosing a restorative treatment, Dr. Shulman will assess your oral health and review your budget and goals with you. Once a treatment is found that aligns with your health, budget, and goals, treatment preparation can begin. Some restorative options include:
Dental Implants
Dental implants act as tooth roots for missing teeth. Constructed from titanium posts, implants are a durable, long term solution that fuses to bone tissue over time. After fusing, the posts are topped with abutments and dental crowns. Many patients may even forget that they have dental implants because they look and feel like natural teeth.
Dental implants are by far the most reliable permanent dental solution to lost teeth. They offer a high success rate and will last a lifetime if you care for them properly.
Dental Bridges
For one or several consecutive missing teeth, dental bridges are a great choice. Dental bridges not only look natural but can be a sturdy replacement option with the help of dental implants. Dental implants secure bridges in place for long lasting results.
Dentures
If you are missing your upper or lower arch of teeth, modern and affordable dentures may be the right solution for you. Like dental bridges, dentures can be secured with dental implants for a permanent restoration. Implant supported dentures are more stable, offering many more benefits over traditional dentures.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What can dentists do to replace missing teeth?
When looking to replace missing teeth, know that you have options. Patients should be sure to evaluate each thoroughly and discuss with their dentist to ensure that they are making the right decision. Dental implants are a common solution to missing teeth. They function and look just like natural teeth and are the number option among dentists and patients.
Bridges are also an option. This type of restoration is attached to the surrounding teeth, and also look and feel natural. Partial dentures may be chosen by patients as well. They are removable but still function and look like natural teeth.
What are the causes of missing teeth?
The American College of Prosthetics writes that there are three leading causes of missing teeth. The first is genetic. Some people are born with teeth missing. Many patients are born without wisdom teeth or upper lateral teeth. Tooth decay is another reason that patients may be missing teeth. This starts with an untreated cavity.
Over time the bacteria will make its way deeper into the tooth and can completely eat away at the tooth, forcing patients to have it removed. Gum disease also causes patients to end up with missing teeth. Gum disease attacks the jaw bone. If the damage done to the jaw bone is severe enough it may cause patients to need to have teeth removed.
Do I need to replace one missing tooth?
Dentists will highly recommend that you replace any number of missing teeth, even if it is only one. Missing teeth can affect your overall health. Even a single missing tooth can cause your entire bite to shift and lead to bone loss.
Can missing teeth cause gum infection?
If you are missing teeth, you must be diligent with your cleaning and diet to be sure to keep your gums healthy. You can get a gum infection that develops into gum disease over time if you leave missing teeth untreated.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Missing Teeth Consultation
Replace missing teeth today for your future oral health. Restore your smile and confidence with long-lasting professional treatments. Call Dr. Shulman at his Philadelphia office at (215) 372-1142.