Missing teeth 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.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Not many people realize that missing teeth lead to many oral health complications. If you suffer from tooth loss it is actually recommended that you have them replaced as soon as possible to avoid further dental issues.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift towards that void. Shifting teeth can change your bite leading to a TMJ disorder or jaw pain. Also, without the root, the bone will begin to slowly deteriorate from lack of stimulation.
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 such as 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, a dental bridge can be placed 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:
Missing Teeth FAQs
Can a missing tooth cause problems?
Missing teeth can cause teeth to shift and become crooked. If the gap from missing teeth is left untreated it can lead to muscular and joint tension, headaches, and sensitivity. Gaps left behind also give an opportunity for gum disease and oral cancer to thrive.
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 jaw structure and teeth positioning is subject to 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?
If you are missing one or more permanent teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease, you may experience bad breath. The bad breath, or halitosis, you experience is due to bacterial buildup contributing to your tooth or gum infection.
Are missing teeth genetic?
Some patients may have congenitally missing teeth. However, most cases of missing teeth are due to tooth decay, gum disease, or dental trauma.
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 will notice a change in your face shape. Dental implants support restorations by acting like new tooth roots, supporting 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 offers advanced treatment options that are tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists to learn more about your options by calling (843) 371-5480 or request an appointment online.