Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern; if left untreated, missing teeth can affect the health and function of your existing teeth. Prompt, personalized treatment is ideal for patients with lost teeth. Working side by side with a team of highly trained restorative dentists can help you achieve your dental goals and restore full function and beauty to your smile.
Dr. Frances Tang has advanced restorative dentistry training with a focus on mouth rehabilitation and implant dentistry. If you are missing one or several teeth, Dr. Tang and our team can recommend the most appropriate solution for your smile. Our goal is to recommend and deliver personalized dental care to help improve your dental health and overall function.
If you would like to explore your replacement options for missing teeth, visit Cosmetic Dentistry Associates in Pomona, NY. Missing teeth are among the many dental concerns Dr. Tang treats in her Pomona, NY, dental office.
Why Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
Your smile is one of the first features other people notice about you. So, when your smile isn’t at its best, it can affect your self-confidence. Having a smile you love is important to our team of dentists, which is why we offer a full range of tooth replacement solutions in our Pomona dentist office.
Aside from the cosmetic concerns that missing teeth cause, they can also result in many dental health complications. For instance, even when one tooth is lost, you are at a greater risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay near the neighboring teeth.
In advanced cases, when multiple teeth are lost, the bone underneath the teeth begins to deteriorate which leads to bone density loss. When the bone in the jaw can no longer support the teeth, you may experience additional tooth loss as well as facial sagging.
Although modern dentistry has introduced many solutions for bone loss, such as bone grafting, most dentists always prefer to intervene before your case advances that far. Taking a proactive approach to tooth loss can minimize any further complications.
What Are My Treatment Options For Missing Teeth?
To determine the best solutions for your smile, we will need to evaluate your teeth and bone structure. Dr. Tang, Dr. Auster, and our team are committed to helping you achieve a functional, beautiful smile. During your consultation, we will perform a full dental evaluation, discuss your cosmetic goals, and explore your treatment options.
We offer a complete range of tooth replacement options, including dental implants. Dr. Tang, Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantologists, has advanced training in dental implants and full mouth rehabilitation.
Her knowledge and experience make her the ideal partner in your implant journey. We place and restore dental implants in our Pomona dentist office. You can receive full-service dental implants at one convenient location.
If implants are right for you, Dr. Tang will guide you through all aspects of your care. Depending on the condition of your teeth and bone, we may recommend one or more of the following tooth replacement options for your smile.
Dentures & Partials
Dentures are a standard and affordable option for replacing missing teeth. The most significant advantage of dentures is they are a quick and simple solution, especially if you need to replace multiple teeth. Dentures can improve your smile, speech, and ability to eat. However, this type of restoration may not feel as secure as other options, and they can sometimes slip or click when you talk or eat.
Patients must remove traditional complete and partial dentures and clean them regularly. Also, if you choose this tooth replacement solution, you must avoid certain foods. Additionally, dentures don’t stimulate bone growth in your jaw like other options, so your jawbone might change shape over time. Still, dentures are a good choice if you are looking for a cheap, reversible option that is not permanent, as they can be adjusted or removed.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is another option for filling the gap left by missing teeth. One advantage of a dental bridge is that it looks natural and can improve your smile and bite. It also helps evenly distribute your bite force, relieving strain on your other teeth.
However, one of the drawbacks of a dental bridge is that it requires reducing the size of the adjacent teeth to support the bridge, which can weaken them. Also, it is common for food to get stuck under the bridge. Because of this, caring for a dental bridge adds extra steps to your oral hygiene routine. Unlike implants, a dental bridge doesn’t stimulate bone growth in the jaw, so bone loss may still occur. A dental bridge is still a good middle ground between dentures and implants, offering a fixed solution that is long-lasting and secure.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are popular for replacing missing teeth due to their durability and natural appearance. One of the most significant advantages of implants is that they function and feel very similar to natural teeth. They are a long-lasting solution, as they can last for decades with proper care. Additionally, implants help preserve the bone in your jaw, preventing bone loss and maintaining the shape of your face.
However, one of the main drawbacks of implants is their higher cost compared to other options, and many dental insurance providers do not cover them. The procedure for getting implants is also more invasive and time-consuming, requiring multiple appointments and healing time. Dental implants are still the best option for your oral health. They offer a secure and permanent solution for missing teeth.
Implants are a versatile solution used to replace one or more missing teeth. For patients missing one tooth, we can use implants and a custom dental crown to restore your smile. For patients missing several or a full arch of teeth, we may recommend an implant secured denture, All-On-Four®, or an implant secured dental bridge.
An implant-supported denture attaches to dental implants, providing a more secure and stable fit compared to removable dentures. An implant-supported bridge attaches to at least two dental implants, offering a durable and stable solution for replacing a lot of missing teeth in a row.
During your consultation, we will explore all your tooth replacement options and recommend the best solution for you. We can build a custom treatment plan that addresses your cosmetic and restorative needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Teeth
Why do people lose teeth?
People lose teeth for many reasons. Some lose teeth because of poor dental health care, like not brushing or flossing enough. Poor oral health causes tooth decay and gum disease. These dental issues are common causes of tooth loss. Others lose teeth due to accidents, like getting hit in the mouth while playing sports. Sometimes, teeth can also be lost due to diseases or genetics. Maintaining good dental hygiene and regular dental visits can help prevent tooth loss.
What problems can missing teeth cause?
Missing teeth can cause problems chewing food, speaking clearly, and smiling confidently. It can also make other teeth move out of place and lead to jaw pain. Gaps anywhere along the jaw can lead to changes in your facial structure and bone loss.
Missing teeth often affect a person’s self-esteem and overall well-being. To avoid these issues, replace missing teeth with dental implants, bridges, or dentures to maintain proper oral health and function.
How do missing teeth affect my appearance?
Missing teeth can make your smile look uneven and less complete. It can also make your cheeks appear sunken, or the illusion that you are much older. Having gaps in your smile can make you self-conscious when talking or laughing. People may notice, and it can affect your confidence. Replacing your teeth can improve your appearance and make you feel better about your smile.
Are dental implants worth the cost?
Dental implants are the only solution that provides a long-term solution for missing teeth. Implants also look and feel more like real teeth. While the cost may seem high, they can last a long time with proper care. Implant restorations will improve your smile and make it easier to eat and talk. Many people find them worth the investment for their longevity and comfort.
Do missing teeth affect my health?
Yes, missing teeth can impact your health. They can make it harder to eat healthy foods, leading to poor nutrition. Missing teeth can also cause issues with speaking and can affect your self-esteem. Additionally, gaps in your teeth can cause your other teeth to shift, leading to more dental issues. People with missing teeth are more prone to gum disease.
Can missing teeth cause jaw problems?
Yes, missing teeth can cause jaw problems, making your teeth shift out of place. Such movement of the teeth will change the way you bite and strain your jaw muscles. A poor bite can lead to pain, jaw popping, and trouble chewing. Replacing your teeth will help support your jaw and prevent these issues.
How do I choose the right tooth replacement option for me?
The cost, convenience, durability, and your needs are factors to think about when choosing a tooth replacement option. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, whether it be a dental implant, bridge, or denture. Please make an appointment with your dentist to review the pros and cons of each option.
Schedule An Appointment
We offer advanced implant dentistry in our Pomona dentist office. If you would like to determine if dental implants or another tooth replacement solution is right for you, visit Cosmetic Dentistry Associates in Pomona, NY. To schedule an appointment, call (845) 241-0656 or request an appointment online.