If you are missing teeth, Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry offers several options to replace them. Tooth loss can negatively affect your oral health as well as your overall health.
It is one of the common dental concerns we treat every day at our location. Replacing them as soon as possible is best for many patients. Our dentists, Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko, serve patients from Towson, MD, and many of the surrounding areas.
Missing Teeth are Bad for Your Health
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. When a tooth is missing, or a dentist extracts it, the natural roots that are in the jawbone also disappear. They are vital to the health of the bone. The tooth roots support the jawbone and provide the stimulation the bone needs to regenerate.
When bone loss happens in the jaw, it can have a significant impact on your facial appearance as well. The change in bone structure can alter the overall shape and contour of your face.
Additionally, tooth loss can make it difficult to eat certain foods, especially if you have many missing teeth. The entire purpose of our teeth is to grind down food so we can easily swallow and digest it. Unfortunately, you may have to eliminate many types of healthy foods from your diet because you can’t chew them.
Furthermore, missing teeth causes gaps between your existing teeth. If there are voids along the jaw, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift toward those gaps. It is important to avoid this because shifting teeth can lead to numerous additional problems, including bite misalignment.
If your bite is off, you can develop painful TMJ problems, frequent headaches, and the remaining teeth can suffer from wear and tear much faster.
It is vital to also point out that missing teeth will affect your self-esteem. It can be embarrassing to have others around you notice the gaps in your smile. This can lead to issues in your personal and professional life.
Many people with tooth loss tend to talk less, not smile, and never laugh because they feel self-conscious. However, our dentists can help you prevent these issues by replacing your missing teeth with beautiful restorations.
Missing Teeth Solutions in Towson, MD
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health, how you smile, and your self-confidence. Fortunately, residents of Towson, MD have access to a range of solutions to address this issue. Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, as they provide a permanent and natural-looking solution. Another popular option is dental bridges, which involve anchoring an artificial tooth between two adjacent healthy teeth.
For those with multiple missing teeth or an entire arch missing, dentures offer a removable but effective solution. Additionally, advancements in dental technology provide innovations such as implant-supported dentures and All-on-4 dental implants. These options provide more stability and comfort for our patients.
Dental Implants
Cosmetic and Advanced Dentistry offers many treatments for missing teeth to our patients from Towson, MD. However, dental implants are undoubtedly the best solution for tooth loss. They are the only option that prevents bone loss because they replace the lost or extracted teeth in the bone. The implant fixtures will not only support a dental prosthetic, but they will also act as tooth roots.
The implant post provides the bone with enough stimulation to regenerate, preventing bone resorption. This stimulation encourages new bone growth, ensuring that the jawbone remains strong and healthy. Other tooth replacement options such as bridges or dentures can’t do this because they only sit on top of the gums.
This integration with the bone allows for a stable foundation and helps prevent further loss of jawbone density. By providing this vital stimulation to regenerate new bone tissue, dental implants effectively minimize or eliminate bone resorption in most cases.
Dental implants also provide the most durable and stable option for tooth replacement. Since the dentist surgically places them into the bone, the dental prosthesis will function just like real teeth. You will have few eating restrictions, and no damage to other teeth will occur in the process. Best of all, you will never have to worry about your new replacement teeth shifting or falling out.
A single dental implant can replace one tooth. Multiple teeth implants can replace a full row or arch of lost teeth. Individual results may vary based on factors such as oral health condition, overall health, and adherence to proper oral hygiene practices. Overall, dental implants not only restore missing teeth but also help preserve and maintain the integrity of your jawbone for long-term oral health.
To learn more about our dental implant services, visit Dental implants.
Dentures
Dentists traditionally use dentures to replace missing teeth. You can quickly replace most or all of your teeth in less than a month’s time using dentures. While you will not have full chewing capacity, you will be able to enjoy more food than before. Additionally, partial dentures can prevent your remaining teeth from shifting and help hold the natural shape of your face.
However, dentures do not replace the missing teeth roots. Therefore, patients with dentures will slowly suffer from bone loss, facial sagging, and more. This means that you will have to replace the denture every so often. This is because your mouth changes over time, causing your denture to not fit properly.
To learn more about our denture options, visit Cosmetic Dentures in Baltimore.
Dental Bridge
Dental bridges replace one or two missing teeth. The process is quick and only involves about two dental appointments to complete. The dentist attaches the bridge onto two teeth that are adjacent to the gap. Because of this, it is fairly strong and will allow you to eat a greater variety of food than before.
However, the dentist will need to permanently reduce those two adjacent healthy teeth to accommodate the dental bridge. Additionally, just like a denture, a dental bridge will not replace teeth at the roots. Bone loss will occur over the years and may require periodic replacement of the bridge.
To learn more about our dental bridge procedure, visit Dental bridges.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Is it okay to ignore a missing back tooth since it’s not visible?
You may think it doesn’t matter, but missing a back tooth can strain the rest of your teeth. That extra stress wears them down faster and could lead to more complicated issues later. The gap also makes chewing less efficient, affecting how well you break down food. Even though it’s hidden, replacing the tooth helps preserve overall dental health. Proper restoration maintains balance and function in your mouth.
Can my face shape change if I have multiple missing teeth?
Yes, missing teeth can alter your facial structure over time because the jawbone deteriorates where teeth are lost. This often results in a sunken appearance and less support for your cheeks and lips. Replacing those teeth, especially with implants, helps preserve the bone and maintain facial fullness. Dentures or bridges also provide support but don’t stimulate the bone as implants do. Early intervention keeps your jaw healthier and your appearance more youthful.
Can missing teeth affect my speech?
When a front tooth goes missing, it can definitely change how your tongue and lips shape sound. You might notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Replacing that tooth brings back the normal contours of your mouth, often fixing those speech issues. Some people adjust over time, but addressing the gap is better for clear, confident speaking. Proper restoration makes your speech feel natural again.
Which is better for a single missing tooth: a dental bridge or an implant?
A tooth implant replaces the tooth and its root, helping maintain bone strength over time. A bridge rests on neighboring teeth for support, which sometimes requires removing enamel from those teeth. Implants tend to last longer if they’re cared for properly, but bridges can be a quicker option. The choice often depends on your oral health, budget, and personal preference. We will evaluate your situation and recommend the best approach.
How do dentures compare to implants in terms of comfort?
Dentures sit on top of your gums and can sometimes feel less stable, especially if your jaw has experienced bone loss. Implants fuse with your bone, making them feel more natural and secure. Dentures need periodic adjustments, while implants require healthy gums and adequate bone for placement. Both can improve your ability to eat and speak, but implants more closely mimic the feel of real teeth. The right choice depends on your oral health and budget.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth for years?
The jawbone in that area may shrink, which can weaken neighboring teeth. You might develop bite issues as your teeth shift to fill the gap. Additionally, repairing the damage later may involve more complex and expensive procedures like bone grafts. Your face might also look different over time due to bone loss. It’s best to consult your dentist early for a suitable replacement plan.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Consulting with our qualified dentists in Towson will help you determine the most suitable treatment option based on your specific needs and budgetary considerations. If you have missing teeth, schedule a consultation with one of our expert dentists! We are accepting new patients from Towson, Maryland!