Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak clearly. You may also feel embarrassed about the gap in your smile. A variety of solutions exist for replacing missing teeth. If you neglect to address tooth loss, your oral and overall health may be in jeopardy.

Consequences of Tooth Loss

Decreased Dental Function

Each of your teeth is essential to proper dental function. One or more missing teeth can affect your bite, which can cause difficulty chewing and result in excessive wear. Additionally, it can affect your speech.

Feelings of Self-Consciousness

Your smile is one of your most notable features. Many patients feel self-conscious when they experience visible gaps in their smiles as well as changes in their facial structure. Over time, this can take a significant toll on your confidence.

Escalating Oral Health Issues

Once a single tooth has been lost, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. As the surrounding hard and soft tissues become less supportive, your other teeth will become loose and eventually fall out.

Am I at Risk of Tooth Loss?

Advanced decay and trauma can cause tooth loss. There are certain factors that may influence your risk:

Poor oral hygiene
Smoking or chewing tobacco
Neglecting routine dental care
Uncontrolled diabetes
Inadequate nutrition
Drug or alcohol abuse

It is highly recommended that you undergo a dental exam every six months so your doctor can catch harmful conditions, such as cavities, in their earliest stages.

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Do People Really Spend the Money to Replace Missing Teeth?

According to the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, approximately 178 million Americans are missing one or more teeth, and 40 million are completely toothless. Currently, three million patients have replaced their missing teeth with dental implants, and another half million undergo treatment each year. Implants offer several benefits over earlier forms of treatment.

Understanding Your Tooth Replacement Options

There are two types of tooth replacement options: traditional and implant-supported. Traditional restorations include dental crowns, bridges, and dentures. However, these can all be attached to dental implants for greater stability. Typically, implant-supported restorations are recommended whenever possible because they protect against further jawbone atrophy. During a consultation, your doctor can help determine which method is best for you. The type of restoration you will need will depend on the extent of tooth loss and jawbone recession you have suffered.

What are the Most Common Causes of Missing Teeth?

Oral Health Issues

Typically, tooth loss is caused by poor oral health, which leads to severe cavities or gum disease. These conditions can drastically impact the health of your teeth and the surrounding tissues.

Dental Trauma

Many patients suffer injuries such as fractured teeth by playing sports, using their teeth to open packages, and other accidents. If the damage is too severe to repair, your tooth may need to be removed.

Genetic Conditions

In some cases, teeth never develop due to a genetic condition known as hypodontia. Congenitally missing teeth may occur in the front or rear of the mouth. Although the condition is not preventable, it still requires treatment to minimize the effects.

If you are missing one or more teeth, or fear your tooth may be at risk of falling out, schedule a consultation as soon as possible with your doctor. An experienced oral health professional can help you plan treatment to protect your health and restore a natural appearance to your smile.