Many patients visit our office to learn more about tooth replacement options after tooth loss. Replacing missing teeth before they cause various complex dental concerns is very important. People with missing teeth are more likely to experience tooth decay and gum disease.
This is because missing teeth create new, hard-to-reach spaces within your smile for bacteria and food residue to get caught in. Even patients with the most thorough oral hygiene habits struggle to keep their smiles clean following tooth loss. Additionally, missing teeth mess with your bite pattern and can make daily tasks like chewing and speaking more difficult than they should be. Learn how we help patients with missing teeth restore their smiles in our Bethesda, MD dentist office.
Replace Missing Teeth in Bethesda, MD
Dr. Khanna provides advanced solutions for complex problems, from tooth repair to replacement. She is happy to consult with you on your restorative dentistry needs and devise a plan to replace your missing teeth. Our office offers many restorative dentistry solutions to get you back on track toward your dream smile. Some of our tooth replacement options include:
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a restorative solution for replacing missing teeth that require the support of your surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth in place of the missing tooth. Perfect for replacing one missing tooth or several consecutive missing teeth, dental bridges are a tooth replacement option that does not require a surgical procedure like dental implants.
To preserve the natural tooth structure, we often fortify your natural teeth with dental crowns to support the bridge. Holding up the bridge is a big job; it can wear down natural teeth quickly, making them more susceptible to decay and damage. When we use dental crowns, the crown takes on the bulk of the pressure of the bridge, protecting your natural tooth structure.
Dental Implant Restorations
Whenever possible, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. They’re the only option that replaces the tooth root, preventing further jawbone deterioration. Because they have the functionality of the tooth root, you can keep all of the foods you love in your diet. This permanent restoration looks and feels the most like your natural teeth, making it hard for anyone to tell that it’s not a real tooth.
However, not every patient is eligible for dental implant treatment. Implants require a certain amount of healthy jawbone to function correctly because they fuse with that to maintain their unmatched stability. Bone grafts and other surgical procedures can restore your jawbone so that you can get dental implants.
Dentures & Partials
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, you should consider dentures and partials. Removable dentures use suction and adhesive products to adhere to your soft tissue. If you choose implant-supported dentures, a permanent denture will attach to as few as four implants in your mouth. This option is permanent, and you don’t need to remove it for certain functions like you would with the traditional type of denture.
Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
Even with just one missing tooth, it can impact your entire mouth. Each tooth has an important role in speaking and eating. The tongue interacts with the teeth to make sounds, while each tooth breaks down food differently. If you’re missing teeth, you may be unable to maintain a healthy, varied diet because you can’t eat certain foods. You may also develop a lisp or other speech impediment.
A speech issue can compound your self-esteem issues because of your missing teeth. It can be hard to show off your smile, particularly if you’re missing a tooth in a highly visible area of your mouth. When the jawbone deteriorates, your skin sags in that area because the facial muscles rely on your jawbone structure. A sagging face can age your face years.
Once you lose a permanent tooth, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. It leaves a gap in your smile that your other teeth will try to shift in to fill. If you’ve previously had orthodontic treatment, a missing tooth can reverse the progress because the teeth are shifting and moving. When your bite becomes uneven, you’re at a higher risk for jaw pain and TMJ disorders.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Missing teeth are a serious oral health concern. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Do I have to replace my missing teeth?
It is better for your oral and overall health if you replace any missing teeth. Gaps in your smile can actually cause many problems with your health. Problems such as difficulty chewing, an altered bite, jawbone loss, a higher probability of developing tooth decay and gum disease, and lower self-esteem are common in people with missing teeth. Replacing them is the only way to avoid these issues.
What is the best way to replace missing teeth?
Dental implants are by far the best way to replace missing teeth. This solution will hold any dental restoration in place better than traditional methods. Using teeth implants will allow the false teeth to function more like natural teeth and look just like real teeth. Additionally, implants are the only solution to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
How can I prevent tooth loss?
The best way to prevent tooth loss is by taking good care of your oral health. Poor oral hygiene habits are the number one reason for tooth loss today. Good habits include brushing multiple times with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once daily, and visiting your dentist every six months.
Sometimes, accidents happen and cannot be avoided. While it is always impossible to prevent them, you can protect your teeth in some situations. While playing contact sports, we suggest wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth from major damage. Also, if you grind your teeth while you sleep, a custom nightguard will protect your teeth from wearing down and cracking.