Missing Teeth: What Can You Do for Missing Teeth?

Overview

A missing tooth can certainly change the appearance of your smile. Whether a missing tooth is the result of gum disease, injury, severe tooth decay, or a genetic condition, a missing tooth can cause several problems. Regardless of the way a tooth is lost, it can negatively impact the alignment of your teeth over time and cause a number of problems down the road if it isn’t replaced. Sometimes the value of your teeth isn’t realized until they are lost, and unfortunately, teeth do not last forever. Even the loss of a single tooth can have a negative impact on your oral health and confidence. A missing tooth or teeth can also affect your speech, ability to chew your food, the integrity of your jawbone, and cause the slow shifting of your teeth into some of the empty spaces. 

Missing teeth are often the result of trauma (car or sports accidents), tooth decay, poor nutrition or gum disease. While missing teeth may just seem like a cosmetic problem that many people learn to live with, missing teeth are more than just a hole in one’s smile. They can have serious physical and psychological implications that can develop. Missing teeth problems include Difficulty Chewing , Speech issues , Bone loss and Early aging .

Gum disease, tooth decay, injury, or a genetic condition can all be behind a missing tooth.Regardless of the underlying cause for missing teeth, if you’re looking to replace a lost tooth or make adjustments to the overall appearance of your mouth, there are different treatments available.Here’s a look at a few options to replace missing teeth, as well as the pros and cons of each option and cost information.

3 Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

1. Dental Implant

A dental implant integrates with your natural bone, making it an ideal tooth replacement option for many people. Our dentist places an implant into your jawbone during the procedure, replacing a natural tooth root. The implant ultimately supports a replacement with a dental bridge, crown or denture.

Implants are made from titanium, a biocompatible material used in many kinds of prosthetics, such as artificial joints. Once the implant is securely placed in the jaw and fully healed, a prosthetic tooth is attached. Implants could be your best option if you are missing one or more of your teeth due to periodontal disease, injury or other dental health issues.

Advantages of dental implants

-There is no involvement of your neighbouring teeth, so adjacent teeth remain intact

-They are a permanent, lifelong replacement, requiring no regular check-ups.

Disadvantages of dental implants

-dental implants tend to be more expensive than other replacement options for a missing tooth. The procedure may be covered by some insurances, but you might be responsible for deductibles and co-pays.

-The implant is screwed into the jawbone, which requires invasive surgical procedures, a significant healing time, and the possibility for infection.

2. Bridges

A bridge—which consists of artificial teeth fused to a metal frame—is a good option for replacing several teeth. The frame is cemented to supports—either implants or healthy teeth that have been covered by crowns. The more teeth being replaced, the more natural teeth or implants are needed to give the bridge the necessary support.

The Maryland bridge is a variation in which the dentist attaches the bridge by gluing thin metal or ceramic strips to the backs of nearby teeth. It is used to replace a single tooth in the front of the mouth when there isn't enough room for an implant.

Getting a bridge is a shorter process than getting an implant, but still requires several visits—one for imaging and impressions, another for preparing the supporting teeth for crowns and fitting a temporary bridge, and another for fitting the permanent bridge.

Advantages of dental bridges

-Bridges are beneficial because they feel and look like natural teeth. You might find they improve the appearance of your natural teeth on either side of the space.

-They’re also typically cheaper than dental implants.

Disadvantages of dental bridges

-The adjoining teeth can be damaged over time if the bridge is poorly fitted

-Food particles can slip underneath the bridge and become harder to clean, so if you aren’t careful with your cleaning, there is a greater risk of infection and bone loss .

3. Removable partial dentures

Removable partial dentures can replace one or more missing teeth. They have a realistic appearance, imitating natural teeth, and are generally less expensive and invasive than other tooth replacement options. This makes them the perfect transitional choice between more extensive periodontal treatments and an excellent aesthetic measure for missing teeth.

A removable partial denture restores the appearance of your smile. If you’ve lost a tooth and want to learn about your options, keep reading to learn how removable partial dentures work and whether they’re the right option for you.The base is designed to match the color of your gums, and the teeth the color of your natural teeth. These dentures might be an option if you need to replace multiple teeth in one part of your mouth.

Advantages of partial dentures

-Removable partial dentures are one of the cheapest options for tooth replacement

-Partial dentures are easy to repair and replace if needed

Disadvantages of partial dentures

Some people might find partial dentures uncomfortable, at least until they adjust to wearing them.

Dentures must be removed and cleaned daily, and you’ll also remove them before bed. This constant handling can make them more susceptible to damage.

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