Effective Treatments for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can have significant impacts on health, function, and appearance. The best way to avoid missing teeth is through consistent dental care including daily brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.

Teeth may become lost due to accidents, trauma, sports injuries, and teeth grinding (bruxism). Additionally, medical conditions like ectodermal dysplasia can interfere with tooth development.

Implants

Missing teeth Clayton NC affect the health and appearance of your smile. They can cause other dental problems, such as shifted adjacent teeth and uneven chewing pressures that strain the jaw joint (TMJ).

Tooth replacement treatments include bridges, dentures and implants. Implants are the best choice for a missing tooth, as they replace both the root and crown of your missing tooth, allowing you to smile with confidence and eat normally. They also prevent bone deterioration, which can lead to additional tooth loss and facial sagging.

Implants are made from titanium, which is fused with the bone to create a strong foundation for new restorations. The implant is surgically placed in the space vacated by the tooth, and then a false tooth (or crown) is attached to the top to simulate your natural teeth. The treatment typically requires several months, and you will need to commit to good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings.

Bridges

Replacing a missing tooth or teeth with a bridge is an effective treatment that restores both function and appearance to the smile. This prosthetic fills the gap created by a missing tooth, making it easier to chew and speak clearly, while preventing neighboring teeth from shifting into the vacated space.

Traditional dental bridges use crowns that are anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth, which is known as the abutment. These abutment teeth must be modified to fit the crowns by removing small portions of enamel on both sides. Alternatives, such as the resin-bonded bridge (also known as a Maryland bridge), require less modification to adjacent natural teeth and are best for individuals who have healthy abutment teeth.

Bridges help to restore your oral health by preventing the formation of additional cavities on your remaining natural teeth and reducing the stress placed on your gum tissues. They are also designed to blend in with your existing teeth for a seamless appearance.

Partials

A removable partial denture is a type of dental restoration that replaces missing teeth Clayton NC while leaving some natural teeth in place. This type of denture is typically used when a patient does not want to undergo the more invasive procedure of dental implants.

The problem with many partials is that they force the remaining teeth to bear more pressure than they are designed for, leading to wear and tear, cracks, gum disease, and ultimately more tooth loss. In addition, the clasps that hold a partial in place can cause sore spots in the mouth.

Another concern with a removable partial is that the acrylic base can feel bulky in the mouth, making it hard to speak and eat properly. At Expressions Dental Group, we offer Valplast partials, which are made from a thinner, lighter thermoplastic material that offers better tissue adaptation and a more comfortable fit.

Dentures

There are a number of treatments available for tooth loss. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your unique needs.

Replacing missing teeth Clayton NC is important to maintain oral health and a full smile. Tooth loss affects daily tasks like eating and speaking and can lead to serious problems.

Dental bridges consist of crowns fixed to the natural teeth on either side of the gap and an artificial tooth in between. These are usually affixed permanently and cannot be removed.

Dentures are a treatment that can replace a complete set of teeth and allow you to speak and eat normally again. They can also help to keep your face and jaw shape intact, preventing the sagging that occurs when a large number of teeth are lost. In addition, they can restore your appearance, improve your self-esteem and keep your remaining teeth healthy by preventing them from shifting or receiving biting forces at unnatural angles.