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. It’s important that you seek out restorative solutions to replace your missing teeth 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.
Here are some common questions we get regarding our missing teeth treatment solutions:
What is a dental implant?
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.
What is a 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 and instead 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 and are most effective when your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw are all in good health.
What are 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 missing teeth are not replaced?
If missing teeth are not replaced it can cause alignment issues, tooth shifting, and TMJ problems. When missing teeth are not replaced teeth shift to open spaces causing misalignment, gaps, and crowding.
How long can you wait to replace a missing tooth?
It is advised to replace missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent teeth shifting. If you had a tooth extracted it is advised to wait four to six months to have the tooth replaced. This gives patients gums time to heal before performing another operation.