If you are missing teeth, Owings Mills, MD dentist Dr. Ed Lazer offers many replacement options. With advances in modern dentistry, replacement teeth are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. More treatment options mean better choices for patients who want a solution that fits their health needs, aesthetic goals, and budget.
Dr. Lazer has a solution for you whether you’re missing one tooth or multiple teeth. Your primary options are dental bridges, dental implants and dentures. Each type of treatment has its own advantages. In addition to treating missing teeth, our office provides solutions for a number of common dental concerns.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth can lead to secondary oral health complications which is why it’s so important to replace them. You should treat missing teeth as quickly as possible.
Once you lose a tooth, the bone underneath begins to decay. Tooth replacement options can become more and more difficult and can affect other teeth. Your jaw bone will continue to decay until you get treatment. Patients with missing teeth are also more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay and additional tooth loss.
Gaps in your smile can also affect your self-confidence around others. So why not replace your missing teeth today? Stop worrying about your imperfect smile and let Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko help you.
Missing Teeth Replacement Options
Our dentists are two of the area’s leading cosmetic and restorative dentists that will help you choose which treatment is right for you. We will first perform a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health at our Owings Mills, MD cosmetic dentistry office. Our dentists will diagnose your specific condition, then make recommendations that will give you the best long term results.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a more permanent solution for missing teeth with a success rate of over 95%. Dental implants are virtually identical to your natural teeth. The implant actually replaces the root of the tooth and fully integrates with the bone.
The dental implant procedure is generally the most expensive replacement option. But patients with dental implants don’t need routine maintenance or have additional costs. However, not all patients qualify for dental implants. You should be healthy and have sufficient bone structure to support the implant.
Dentures And Partial Dentures
We can use a traditional denture when a patient is missing all their upper or lower teeth. Dentures and partials are an effective and tried-and-true solution for missing teeth. Today’s dentures look and feel more like natural teeth than ever before.
With advances in technology, we can also secure dentures to your mouth using dental implants. The procedure will offer better retention and long-term benefits versus traditional removable dentures. An implant denture is more expensive than a removable denture. But offers patients a higher quality of life and level of comfort.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an affordable treatment option for replacing missing teeth. We can use a bridge to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge can be either removable (flipper teeth) or fixed. The dentist either uses dental crowns or permanent and long-lasting dental implants to anchor a fixed bridge in place.
Tooth Extractions
We also perform tooth extractions in our Owings Mills dental practice when necessary for your long-term dental health. Dr. Doroshenko, a specialist in Periodontics and Implantology, can skillfully and painlessly remove your teeth. He can replace a single tooth using a dental implant or other life-like restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about missing teeth in Owings Mills, MD.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
If you don’t replace a missing tooth, nearby teeth will gradually shift into the empty space. Shifting causes misalignment and can make oral hygiene difficult. Poor cleaning leads to higher risks of tooth decay and gum disease. You could also experience jawbone loss and changes to your facial appearance. Prompt replacement prevents these issues and keeps your mouth healthy.
Can missing teeth affect my speech?
Yes, missing teeth can affect your speech, especially if they are in the front or along the sides of your mouth. Gaps can cause difficulty pronouncing certain words or create a lisp.
The tongue relies on teeth for proper positioning when it forms sounds. Getting a bridge, denture, or implant can help improve speech clarity.
How do missing teeth impact my bite?
Missing teeth create an uneven bite. Your remaining teeth can also shift to fill the tooth gap. Shifting teeth can create misalignment, leading to uneven pressure when chewing. This imbalance often causes discomfort, tooth wear, or jaw pain over time. Replacing missing teeth can help you maintain an even and comfortable bite.
Are there health risks associated with missing teeth?
Yes, missing teeth can lead to several health issues beyond appearance. Gaps allow other teeth to shift. Shifting teeth can cause bite problems and make oral hygiene difficult. Poor hygiene raises your risk of gum disease, cavities, and infections.
Over time, untreated tooth loss can also cause bone deterioration and changes in facial structure. Missing teeth can also cause nutritional issues. A tooth replacement can prevent these health complications.
What is the recovery time after getting a dental implant?
Recovery after a dental implant varies, but most people heal within 3 to 6 months. The implant needs time to fuse with the jawbone before the final restoration is placed. Initial healing from the surgery itself usually takes a few days to a week. We’ll monitor your progress closely to ensure proper healing and long-term success.
Can I eat normally with dentures or a dental bridge?
Yes, but it takes some time to adjust. With dentures, you may need to start with soft foods before gradually introducing firmer textures. Bridges feel more natural since they are fixed, but you should still avoid very sticky or hard foods that could cause damage. Properly fitted restorations allow you to eat comfortably and enjoy a balanced diet.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
You should not have to suffer from the emotional or physical pain that comes with severely decayed, damaged, or missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lazer to learn the best option to replace your lost teeth. We offer many treatments for missing teeth in Owings Mills, MD, and Baltimore, MD.
You can find our Owings Mills, MD, dentist office on the outskirts of Baltimore City. Call us at (410) 697-6290 or request a consultation online today.