According to the American College of Prosthodontists, approximately 120 million people in American are missing at least one tooth. Decay, trauma, gum disease, cancer, and wear are all reasons for tooth loss, but in many cases, tooth loss can be completely avoided. When it can’t be avoided, dentists offer multiple solutions so patients no longer have to live with a gap or multiple gaps in their smiles.
In this blog, we’ll explain why having missing teeth is such a big deal and what solutions our dental practice offers.
The Problems with Missing Teeth
A person with one or more missing teeth may struggle with the oral, overall, and mental health. Here’s how:
- Speech issues: Words can become distorted when a person is missing certain teeth. Strident sounds, which are created by pressing the teeth together when speaking, become difficult to say and difficult for others to understand. The “th” sound may also be impacted. Both will cause the person to feel insecure.
- Risk of gum disease: When the gums are exposed after a tooth is lost, they become more vulnerable to bacteria and lesions. These often lead to an infection known as gum disease that eats away at the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. Gum disease has also been linked to diabetes, stroke, and dementia.
- Bone loss: Did you know that the tooth roots are responsible for keeping the jawbone strong and healthy? If missing teeth aren’t replaced, the bone begins to dissolve, causing the person’s facial structures to cave in.
- Lack of opportunities: The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has done several surveys on the impact of a beautiful smile. The results show that people are more likely to be seen as attractive, successful, capable, and smart when their smile is full and radiant.
Effective Solutions for Missing Teeth
There are several options to consider when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Your dentist will evaluate the health of the rest of your teeth and gums to determine which option is best for your smile. If all restorations are an option, he or she will help you decide by explaining the pros and cons of each choice.
Here are the three most effective tooth replacement options:
Dental bridge
Dentists recommend dental bridges for patients with one, two, or three missing teeth in a row. Bridges are one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth because they have been successfully used for decades!
One reason why dental bridges are so popular, especially when compared to dentures, is because they are permanent and not removable. Dentists will utilize one or two of the patient’s natural teeth for the dental crowns to be bonded to and the prosthetic teeth are suspended in the gaps.
Dentures
Dentures are a common solution for patients who are missing all of their teeth on the top or bottom of their mouths. Dentists can design dentures that look and feel natural for each patient.
Dental implants
A dental implant can be used to replace one tooth or all of a person’s teeth. The difference between this option and others is that the implant replaces the tooth root. This is important because the root is responsible for maintaining a strong jawbone.
When a tooth goes missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate in that area over time and the problem worsens as more and more teeth fall out.
A dental implant is inserted into the jawbone through the gums and a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the top. This tooth replacement option offers strength, durability, and support that no other option comes close to.
Missing Teeth Replacement in Lombard, IL
At Dental Care of Lombard, our priority is your health and comfort. Dr. Julie Glud is happy and prepared to answer any question you may have about replacing your missing teeth. Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile today.
Call 630-629-5700 to schedule your initial consultation.
