Missing teeth are a serious health concern. Not only does it affect the appearance of your smile, but it affects your overall health and oral health. When you are missing one or more teeth, it will affect the way you eat and speak, and it will take a toll on your self-confidence. Dr. Lauren Francis and Dr. Rawley Fuller offer several treatment options for missing teeth in Hampstead, NC. They also treat additional dental concerns at their Hampstead, NC, dental office.
Close up on a man smiling while he is missing a tooth.
Why Should I Replace My Missing?
Your missing teeth will lead to a full range of problems that go beyond the appearance of your smile. A full list of health concerns associated with tooth loss includes:
Bone Loss
Teeth do more than grind down your food. They also help support the jawbone. When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone will deteriorate over time. Eventually, you will have a sunken appearance that will age you significantly.
Gum Disease
Tooth loss also causes the gum tissue around the gap to become inflamed. This will put you at a higher risk of infection. This can lead to gum disease, which can lead to further tooth loss. Gum disease also impacts your overall health and well-being.
Digestive Issues
Teeth are necessary to chew and grind down food properly. If you cannot do so, it can lead to digestive issues. Digestive issues will impact your overall health because they create nutritional deficiencies.
Speech Issues
Teeth are also necessary to help pronounce certain letters and sounds. If you are missing some teeth, it may be difficult to speak clearly, which can lead to speech issues. This may impact your personal and professional life.
Treatment Options for Missing Teeth in Hampstead, NC
Seaside Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers several treatment options for people with missing, decayed, or damaged teeth.
Dentures
Traditional dentures are versatile, removable dental appliances that can replace an entire arch of teeth or just a few missing teeth on the arch. We offer both full dentures and partial dentures. This treatment option is a very affordable and non-invasive option for missing teeth. However, they are usually bulky and uncomfortable, have a long adjustment period, have food restrictions, and require a lot of maintenance over the years.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed dental appliance that can replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. The unit contains pontics, or false teeth, that a dentist anchors in place using dental crowns. The dentist will cement the crowns to adjacent teeth. These adjacent teeth must be reduced in size and will endure lots of extra pressure. However, they do feel more like natural teeth since they are fixed in place.
Dental Implants
Dental implants provide a permanent and long-term solution for missing teeth. It involves placing one or more implant posts in the jaw bone. They will replace the tooth roots and will hold a dental restoration firmly in place. This tooth replacement option will look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. You will be able to eat whatever foods you like, never have to worry about your teeth, and no healthy remaining teeth are damaged during treatment. However, dental implants are the most expensive option, and the treatment time takes months to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can missing teeth cause my face to sag?
Yes, missing teeth can cause your face to sag over time. Teeth support the structure of your face, and without them, your jawbone can shrink. This can lead to a sunken appearance. Replacing missing teeth helps maintain your facial shape and prevent these changes.
Do missing teeth cause bone loss?
Absolutely, missing teeth can lead to bone loss in your jaw. When a tooth is gone, the bone underneath loses stimulation from chewing. This can cause it to deteriorate. We recommend replacing the tooth so you can help preserve bone density and keep a healthy jaw.
Can you get Invisalign with missing teeth?
In many cases, you can still get Invisalign even if you have missing teeth. Invisalign can help close gaps or align your teeth in preparation for restorations like implants. However, it’s important to consult with an orthodontist first to determine the best treatment plan for you. Invisalign is not a long-term solution for tooth loss.
How long can you go without replacing a missing tooth?
It’s best to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible. If you delay replacement, it can lead to shifting of nearby teeth, bone loss, and bite problems. While some people wait months or even years, promptly addressing it helps prevent further issues.
Can missing teeth cause digestive problems?
Yes, missing teeth can contribute to digestive problems. Chewing is the first step in digestion, and missing teeth make it harder to break down food properly. This can lead to swallowing larger pieces, putting extra strain on your digestive system.
Does tooth loss increase with age?
Tooth loss can increase with age, but it’s not an unavoidable part of aging. Factors like gum disease, cavities, and oral hygiene play bigger roles. With proper dental care, many people keep their natural teeth throughout their lives.
Seaside Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is home to a team of experienced restorative dentists who can treat missing teeth in Hampstead, NC. Schedule an appointment today to learn which treatment will work best for you.