Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Teeth are a vital part of a healthy life. When teeth go missing, even just a single tooth, many complications can develop that will affect your overall well-being and especially your health. A void in your smile can lead to bone loss in the jaw due to the lack of stimulation. A loss of bone in the jaw can make the face sink in and you will appear much older than you really are. A void in your smile can also cause the remaining teeth to shift.
This will lead to bite issues making it hard to chew and speak properly. People with missing teeth are more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, and further tooth loss. Fewer teeth also make it difficult to chew healthy foods and can cause lower self-esteem and embarrassment.
Have you recently lost teeth? Are your missing teeth causing you smile issues?
The primary options for replacing missing teeth are dental bridges, implants, and dentures. Each type of treatment has its own advantages. Your dentist in Chapel Hill, Dr. James Furgurson, can help you choose which treatment is right for you.
Solutions to Replace Missing Teeth
Dental Implants
Tooth implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth. The dental implant actually replaces the root of the tooth, becoming fully integrated with the bone. Dental implants are generally the most expensive replacement option, but they also require the least maintenance. Not all patients qualify for dental implants. The location of the missing tooth as well as the overall health of the patient and bone structure will be evaluated before the dentist recommends treatment.
Dr. Furgurson is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, demonstrating his commitment to providing the highest level of care for dental implant patients. In many cases, Dr. Furgurson can complete the entire procedure in his Chapel Hill dentist office. For other cases, he may work with a local specialist to complete the surgical phase of treatment and carry out the implant restoration in his office.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is an affordable treatment option for replacing missing teeth. The bridge can be either removable (flipper teeth) or fixed. A fixed bridge is anchored either with dental crowns and/or dental implants. The crowns and the replacement teeth (the pontics) are fused together creating a reliable le tooth replacement option.
Dentures
A denture is used when a person is missing all of their upper or lower teeth. The denture can either be removable or secured using dental implants. An implant denture is more expensive than a removable denture, but it offers patients a higher quality of life and level of comfort.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Are missing teeth unhealthy?
Missing teeth can cause major health problems. Bone loss can occur as well as tooth decay, and gum disease. These can have impacts on the health of your heart, and can increase your chance of heart attacks.
Can a missing tooth cause speech problems?
Missing teeth commonly cause speech issues. They may cause you to be unable to pronounce certain words or sounds. It also may cause a slightly slurred speech.
Is it OK not to replace a missing tooth?
We recommend that patients replace missing teeth as soon as possible. Missing teeth can cause major health problems. They can cause your surrounding teeth to shift and form gaps, bone loss, and other issues.
What can I do if I’m missing teeth?
If you have missing teeth the best thing to do is replace them. A dental implant, a dental bridge, or dentures are the three most common solutions to replace missing teeth.
How many teeth can a bridge replace?
A dental bridge can replace a single tooth or a whole row of teeth. Depending on placement a bridge can replace anywhere from one to four teeth.
Can missing teeth affect your health?
Doctors associate heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease with untreated missing teeth. Gum disease commonly develops if a missing tooth is left untreated. This can quickly spread throughout the body causing serious, even life threatening damage.
Schedule a Restorative Consultation
Chapel Hill Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is home to experienced dentists in Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding areas. We take the time to explain every treatment to create a trusting and comfortable environment. Your long-term dental care is important to us. Give us a call at 919.736.6175 to request a dental exam, or schedule a dental exam online today.