Are you missing one or more teeth?
Stop hiding your smile because of a missing tooth or teeth. Restore your confidence by replacing your lost and 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. Fill in the gaps left by missing teeth to prevent harming your bone health and the structure of your mouth.
Missing teeth will jeopardize the function and beauty of your natural smile and contribute to complex oral health concerns. You should replace lost teeth as soon as possible to maintain your oral health. Fortunately, our Northeast Philadelphia dentist Dr. Shulman offers a variety of missing tooth treatments. We will keep your lifestyle, budget, and cosmetic goals in mind.
Some 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. Note that missing teeth can also lead to serious dental health concerns.
Untreated missing teeth can lead to:
- Additional tooth loss
- Bone deterioration in the jaw
- Gum disease and infections
- Damage to remaining teeth
- Crooked teeth and malocclusion issues
- Shifting of surrounding teeth
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Changes in facial appearance
- Increased risk of tooth decay in adjacent teeth
- Jaw joint pain and dysfunction
- Bite alignment issues
If one or more teeth are missing for a long period, your oral health can begin to get worse. Whether your missing teeth stem from injury, decay or disease, we have the professional treatment solutions that will restore your teeth and improve your overall oral health.
Restorative Treatments for Missing Teeth
Dr. Drew Shulman provides patients with many options for replacing missing teeth. Before choosing a restorative treatment, Dr. Shulman will assess your oral health and review your goals with you. Once he finds a treatment that aligns with your health, budget, and goals, treatment preparation can begin. Some common restorative missing teeth treatments include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a leading treatment modality for replacing missing teeth. The implant post acts as a tooth root for missing teeth. Dental implants consist of titanium or zirconia because of their biocompatibility and ability to integrate well with surrounding tissues. Implants are a durable, long term solution that fuses to bone tissue over time.
By mimicking the natural structure of teeth and their roots, dental implants provide a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth loss. Many patients may 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.
However, they also have limitations including surgical complexity, longer treatment duration, and the need for adequate bone volume. To learn about our dental implant services, visit Dental implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges provide a reliable and conventional treatment option for replacing missing teeth. For one or several consecutive missing teeth, dental bridges are a great choice. They not only look natural but can be a sturdy replacement option with the help of dental implants. Dentists have a couple of different types of dental bridges available.
The first type is the conventional fixed bridge, which is a popular choice for replacing missing teeth. This bridge consists of two crowns placed on the adjacent teeth with a false tooth in between to fill in the missing tooth gap. The crowns act as anchors to hold the bridge securely in place.
Another type is implant-supported fixed bridges. Dr. Shulman recommends these bridges when there are many missing teeth or when there is insufficient support from adjacent teeth. An oral surgeon surgically places implants into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for the bridge.
Lastly, adhesive bridges, also known as resin-bonded or Maryland bridges, are best when there is minimal damage to adjacent teeth. These bridges consist of a false tooth bonded to metal wings. They attach to the backside of neighboring teeth using dental adhesive.
Each type of dental bridge has its own advantages depending on factors like your oral health condition and preferences. To learn about the dental bridges available at our office, visit Dental bridges.
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, the dentist can secure dentures to dental implants for a permanent restoration. Implant supported dentures are more stable, offering many more benefits over traditional dentures.
Dr. Shulman uses evidence-based decision-making to determine the most suitable restorative treatment for your individual needs. Restorative treatments for missing teeth are diverse, containing a wide array of options. Therefore, a thorough understanding of treatment planning and maintenance protocols is vital. We achieve successful outcomes and improve overall oral health and patient satisfaction.
To learn more about our denture options, visit Dentures.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What can dentists do to replace missing teeth?
You have options when looking to replace missing teeth. Be sure to evaluate each thoroughly and discuss with their dentist to ensure that they are making the best decision. Dental implants are a common solution to missing teeth. They function and look just like natural teeth and are the top option among dentists and patients.
Dental bridges are the next best option. This type of restoration attaches to the surrounding teeth. Modern bridges look and feel natural, but are more temporary than their counterparts.
Dentures and partial dentures are another option for patients as well. They are removable but still function and look like natural teeth. Dentures are the tried-and-true method for patients missing all their 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 disposition. Some people are born without specific teeth, also known as congenitally missing teeth. Genetic factors can leave you without wisdom teeth, upper lateral teeth, and second premolars.
Tooth decay is the second reason that patients may be missing teeth. Decay starts with an untreated cavity and becomes an infection that kills the tooth. Over time, the bacteria will make its way deeper into the tooth and completely eats away at the tooth. The tooth will either fall out or the dentist will remove it.
Gum disease also causes patients to end up with missing teeth. Severe gum disease without treatment attacks the jaw bone. If the damage to the jaw bone is severe enough, it will cause dead and rotting teeth. The dentist will have to remove these teeth to save the remaining healthy teeth and mouth.
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, lead to bone loss, and affect existing teeth.
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 don’t replace your lost teeth.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Missing Teeth Consultation Today.
Replace missing teeth today to protect your future oral health. Dr. Drew Shulman can restore your smile and confidence with long-lasting professional tooth replacement treatments. Call Dr. Shulman at his Philadelphia dental office at (215) 372-1142.