Missing teeth are a dental concern that can affect many aspects of your daily life from self-confidence to your ability to enjoy a healthy diet. Replacing missing teeth is the key to restoring your smile, your oral health, and your overall quality of life each day. Our dentists at West Ashley Family Dentistry offer treatment for missing teeth in Charleston, SC.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Not many people realize that missing teeth lead to many oral health complications. If you suffer from tooth loss, we recommend that you replace your teeth as soon as possible to avoid further dental issues.
After you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift towards the gap. Shifting teeth can change your bite, leading to a TMJ disorder or jaw pain. The bone will begin to slowly deteriorate from lack of stimulation from the tooth root.
Patients with missing teeth are also more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, and additional tooth loss. Aside from the oral health reasons, missing teeth will also drastically lower a person’s self-confidence and quality of life.
Charleston dentists Dr. James Dickert and Dr. Agatha Lynn offer personalized dental care for complex problems, including missing teeth, and a range of advanced treatment options.
We work with you on an individual basis to determine the most suitable tooth replacement option for your oral health needs and cosmetic goals. Drs. Dickert and Lynn have advanced training in many aspects of dentistry, including occlusion, for a patient experience and results that will support long-term function and health.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options
Dr. Dickert or Dr. Lynn will thoroughly evaluate the condition of your dental health before recommending a treatment option(s). Whether you are missing one tooth or multiple teeth, we offer a full range of tooth restorative procedures for getting back a smile that is both comfortable and functional.
- Dental Bridges: If you have one or several consecutive lost teeth, we can place a dental bridge to “bridge the gap” and restore a functional smile. Your dental bridge can be permanently secured for a stable smile that looks and feels natural.
- Dentures and partial dentures: Today’s cosmetic dentures offer lasting tooth replacement when several or all of your teeth are missing or need to be removed. We offer removable and fixed denture options. We can secure your denture with dental implants for the best possible result.
- Dental Implants: Offering a life-like replacement option, dental implants can replace a single missing tooth or secure a dental bridge or denture with added benefits for your long-term dental health. Learn more about dental implants:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about the problems and treatments for your lost teeth? We’re here to help. We welcome you to read answers to common questions about missing teeth in Charleston, SC.
Can a missing tooth cause problems?
Yes, a missing tooth can cause several problems. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may start to shift into the open space, which can make your bite uneven or your smile look crooked. Over time, this can lead to muscle tension, jaw pain, headaches, and tooth sensitivity.
The tooth gap can also trap food and plaque, increasing your risk of gum disease. In some cases, poorly cleaned areas can make it harder for your dentist to spot early signs of oral cancer. Replacing a missing tooth helps protect your oral health and keeps your smile strong.
Does missing teeth affect face shape?
Your teeth are supposed to be supported by jawbones and provide structure for your face. When teeth are missing, the jaw structure and tooth position can change. This may result in some changes to a patient’s facial shape, but typically nothing drastic.
Should missing teeth be replaced?
Missing teeth should be replaced. Having a large gap in your mouth may cause a variety of issues. Some of these issues are immediate, but most take time to present themselves. There are many options to replace a missing tooth. It is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent further issues.
Do missing teeth cause bad breath?
Yes, missing teeth can contribute to bad breath. If a tooth is lost because of decay or gum disease, bacteria are usually already present. These bacteria can build up in the open space where the tooth used to be, especially if it’s harder to clean. As the bacteria grow, they release odors that cause halitosis, or bad breath.
Food particles can also get trapped in the gap and add to the problem. Treating the infection, replacing the missing tooth, and keeping the area clean can greatly improve your breath and help protect your overall oral health.
Are missing teeth genetic?
Some patients may have congenitally missing teeth. But most cases of missing teeth are due to tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma. If you have missing teeth from genetics, you may need a combination of treatments to restore your teeth.
What happens after you replace your missing teeth?
After you receive a dental restoration to replace your missing teeth, you will soon be able to smile confidently because you will no longer have gaps in your smile. You will also be able to eat more foods, including hard or crunchy foods that are difficult to eat with missing teeth.
If you receive an implant-supported dental crown, bridge, or denture, you’ll notice a change in your face shape. Dental implants support restorations by acting like new tooth roots. The implant posts support the gums and underlying jaw bone.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you have missing teeth and would like to restore your smile, West Ashley Family Dentistry can help. Our dentists offer advanced missing tooth treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists to learn more about your options by calling (843) 371-5480. You can also request an appointment online.