Many patients visit our office looking to learn more about their tooth replacement options. Missing teeth cause more than just cosmetic concerns but also affect the overall functionality of your smile. This is why we encourage patients to seek out tooth replacement options as soon as they have suffered from tooth loss. Frederick Center for Dentistry is here to provide you with high-quality restorative dentistry solutions to replace your missing teeth in Frederick, MD.
Why Replace Missing Teeth
You may think that replacing your teeth is only for aesthetic benefits. However, there are many health benefits as well. Replacing your lost teeth will:
- Restore function: Your teeth are the most part of remaining healthy. Without them, you would not be able to bite or chew food. When even just a few teeth are missing, it can cause difficulties with eating certain kinds of foods, especially healthy food. This leads to potential digestive issues as well. Replacing your teeth will restore function allowing you to eat properly.
- Help preserve the jawbone: Teeth provide stimulation to the jaw bone through the teeth roots when you chew food. This stimulation is what helps the bone regenerate and remain healthy. When a tooth is lost, the root also goes missing and the bone no longer receives that stimulation. This leads to bone deterioration over time. Bone loss is responsible for a change in facial features. When you replace the teeth, it will help preserve the jaw bone.
- Maintain teeth alignment: Every tooth along your arch helps support the other teeth to maintain proper alignment. If a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth will begin to shift or tilt into the gap due to lack of support. This can lead to many issues including a misaligned bite and crooked teeth. Replacing your teeth will prevent unwanted teeth shifts and help maintain a proper bite.
- Help with speech: Teeth help pronounce certain sounds when you are speaking. Missing teeth can greatly affect your speech and make it difficult to communicate. This can also cause people to feel self-conscious when they speak. Replacing missing teeth will help restore proper speech patterns
- Prevent further complications: Missing teeth make the surrounding teeth more vulnerable to damage. They are subjected to additional stress and pressure which can cause more strain on them. This leads to complications such as excessive wear and tear, cracks, and chips. Replacing teeth will distribute the force evenly among your teeth and prevent further damage to your remaining teeth.
- Improve aesthetics and self-confidence: Smiling with confidence can be difficult if you are missing teeth. It will impact your overall appearance creating issues with self-esteem and confidence. By restoring your smile, you will improve you facial aesthetics and improve your self-confidence.
Replacing Missing Teeth in Frederick, MD
We offer several ways to replace your missing teeth. The best option for you will depend on several factors such as the number of missing teeth you have, your jawbone health, your budget, and the state of your oral health. The first step is to meet with your dentist where they will examine your teeth and take x-rays. Depending on your specific situation, they will recommend the best treatment for you.
Dental Implants
The best solution for missing teeth is dental implants. It involves surgically placing implant fixtures into the jawbone. They will replace the missing teeth roots to provide stimulation for the bone and support the new replacement teeth. A custom made dental restoration will serve as the replacement tooth or teeth. If you are missing one tooth, this will be a dental crown. If you are missing several teeth, this will be a dental bridge or a partial denture. If you are missing an entire row of teeth, you will have a denture secured to your dental implants. To learn more about the dental implant treatment at Frederick Center for Dentistry, visit Dental implants.
Dental Bridge
A traditional dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth. This type of dental restoration is a single fixture made up artificial teeth (pontics) and dental crowns. The crowns, which are located on each end of the bridge, are anchored to natural teeth that are adjacent to the gap created by the missing teeth. A bridge is custom made to fit securely in your mouth. It will help restore your chewing ability and prevent teeth shifting.
Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices used to replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch of teeth. They are made up of gum-colored base with the false teeth fused to it. There are complete dentures, which replace a whole row of teeth, and partial dentures, which only replace several missing teeth on the arch. Dentures are help in place by suction, denture adhesives, or clasps attached to remaining teeth. They offer aesthetic and functional benefits however they are not as secure as implant secured dentures.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Suffering from missing teeth can be overwhelming. There are many treatments to choose from and they can be expensive. Our dental team is here to help you choose the best solution for you. Please read through our frequently asked questions about missing teeth and let us know if you have any further questions.
How will I know which restorative dentistry option is right for me?
During your missing teeth consultation with our dental professionals, we will go over all of your options for restoring your smile. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right dental restoration for you. Our compassionate team will help you decide what dental restoration will help you achieve your dental health goals and most closely align with your dietary and lifestyle needs.
What problems do missing teeth cause?
Your risk of developing gum disease increases the longer you put off getting a missing tooth replaced. Gum disease is the cause of a number of other significant medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.
Can a missing tooth affect your face shape?
If you have missing teeth, your jawbone can no longer maintain the shape of your face. Your facial structure will eventually begin to collapse since it depends on a strong, healthy jawbone to support all of your teeth. This will appear by your face beginning to appear sunken in your cheeks and jaw.
How long can you go without replacing a missing tooth?
In a perfect world, you would address the issue of missing teeth right away. If you have extractions, you should replace the lost teeth within four to six months. The longer you wait to replace missing teeth, the more problems can occur.
Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
One of the most popular ways to repair missing teeth is with dental implants. Dental implants are a very dependable tooth replacement option that feels and looks natural. If you require a permanent option to replace one tooth, several teeth, dental implants are a great option.
How long does it take to replace a tooth?
A full tooth replacement may take anywhere from three to six months. This varies based on the type of replacement you are looking for. Many patients use a removable replacement until a permanent one is molded.
We Offer Solutions for Missing Teeth in Frederick, MD!
Revitalize your smile and replace missing teeth at Frederick Center for Dentistry. Whether you are missing one tooth or a full arch of teeth, rest assured that our team will treat you with respect and ensure that your dental concerns are addressed in a timely manner. Call us today at 301-264-5680 to book your appointment. You can also request an appointment online.