If you are missing teeth, you know how much this alters and affects the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. Missing teeth can cause a lot of issues, including a misaligned bite which can lead to headaches and jaw pain. You must seek out restorative solutions to replace your missing teeth in Westminster, MD as soon as possible.
If left untreated, the added space from the missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift around to try to fill in the gap. This will only lead to more dental concerns, as you’ll then have to deal with realigning your teeth.
As your trusted dentist in Westminster, MD, Dr. Bowersox treats missing teeth using a variety of restorative dentistry solutions like dental implants, dental bridges, dentures, and partials.
Your Options to Replace Missing Teeth in Westminster, MD
You have many options to choose from, whether you have a single lost tooth or all your teeth missing.
Dental Implants
A premier replacement method to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are surgically-placed prosthetic teeth that fuse to your jaw bone. A dental implant is a new tooth made of metal and porcelain that looks just like your natural tooth. Because of the titanium post that takes the place of the missing root, dental implants are firmly secured into your smile. They require no lifestyle or dietary changes once they are fully healed.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap where one or more teeth may have been. Unlike a dental implant, a bridge is not a surgical procedure but relies on the gap’s surrounding teeth to support the prosthetic tooth and hold it in place. Dental bridges are great for replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth. They are most effective when your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw are all in good health.
Dentures and Partials
Dentures and partials are sets of prosthetic teeth that replace a full arch of your teeth. They are created to fit snuggly over your gums and replace your entire smile. Dentures and partials give you back the opportunity to live life with a full set of functional, aesthetically pleasing teeth. Dental implants may be used to help anchor your dentures, especially lower dentures that tend to shift when you talk or chew.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?
When you don’t replace missing teeth, it can lead to several problems with your dental health. One of the biggest issues is that your remaining teeth will shift into the empty spaces. This shifting can cause your teeth to become misaligned, leading to gaps, crowding, and bite problems.
Crooked teeth can make it harder to chew and speak clearly. They’re also harder to keep clean, which can raise your risk of cavities and gum disease. Plus, they can put extra pressure on your teeth, causing them to wear down over time.
Another problem caused by missing teeth is TMJ problems. When your bite is out of balance due to missing teeth, it can put extra strain on your jaw joint, leading to jaw pain, headaches, and even difficulty opening and closing your mouth comfortably.
Replacing missing teeth can help prevent these problems and keep your smile healthy and functional. It also helps maintain the shape of your face. Missing teeth can cause bone loss in your jaw over time, leading to a sunken or aged appearance.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Learn more about missing teeth in Westminster, MD, with answers to these common questions:
How long can you wait to replace a missing tooth?
Replace a missing tooth as soon as possible to prevent other dental problems. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth may start to shift into the space. This shifting can lead to problems like misaligned teeth, gaps, and crowding.
If you’ve had a tooth extracted, wait about four to six months before replacement. This waiting period allows your gums and bone to heal after the extraction, giving you a better foundation for tooth replacement.
Is it too late to replace my missing teeth?
No, it’s not too late to replace your missing teeth! Even if you’ve had missing teeth for a while, there are still options to restore your smile. Talk to our dentist about the best replacement option for you. Based on your needs, he may recommend dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
However, if you’ve been missing teeth for a long time, your jawbone may have weakened or shrunk. Sometimes, you may need additional procedures, like a bone graft, to ensure your jaw is strong enough for treatments like dental implants. We will check the condition of your gums and jaw to see what needs to be done.
How long does it take to replace a missing tooth?
The length of your treatment time depends on several factors:
- Pretreatments like bone grafting or a sinus lift
- Problems like gum disease or tooth decay
- Healing time
We will give you an estimate of your treatment time after your exam and consultation. In general, it takes 3 to 6 months for your implants to heal after placement. Then, you need several weeks to heal after we place the abutments, which connect the post to your new restoration. While it takes less time to get a traditional restoration, we recommend implant restorations because they last longer.
Can I replace multiple missing teeth at once?
Yes, you can replace multiple missing teeth at the same time. We offer different options based on your needs. Dental implants can replace several teeth individually or support a bridge or denture. Implant-supported bridges or dentures are a great option because they are stable and feel more like natural teeth. We will place all the implants you need in one visit and provide a temporary restoration so you will not be without teeth.
Restore Lost Teeth
Are you tired of dealing with tooth loss? Replace your missing teeth in our Westminster, MD, dental office. Call 410-642-5634 or request an appointment with us online.
Please let us know if you have questions about your tooth replacement options. We’re here to help.