Are you missing one or more teeth?
You don’t have to hide your smile because of missing teeth. Replacing them will not only boost your confidence but also improve the health of your teeth and gums. Filling in the gaps prevents damage to your jawbone and keeps your mouth’s structure strong.
Missing teeth can hurt the look and function of your smile and lead to bigger oral health issues. It’s best to replace them as soon as possible to protect your dental health. Dr. Shulman in Northeast Philadelphia offers many treatments to replace missing teeth, keeping your lifestyle, budget, and goals in mind.
Many adults deal with tooth decay or missing teeth. Getting treatment for lost teeth can restore your confidence and improve your daily interactions. Missing teeth can also lead to serious dental health concerns.
Untreated missing teeth can lead to:
- Further tooth loss
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Gum disease and infections
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Crooked teeth and bite issues
- Shifting of nearby teeth
- Trouble eating and speaking
- Changes in your facial appearance
- A higher risk of decay in nearby teeth
- Jaw pain and bite alignment issues
If you leave missing teeth untreated for too long, your oral health may worsen. Whether your teeth were lost from injury, decay, or disease, we offer treatments to restore your smile and improve your dental health.
Restorative Treatments for Missing Teeth
Dr. Drew Shulman provides several ways to replace missing teeth. He will first check your oral health and discuss your goals with you. Once a plan is in place, treatment can begin. Common options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. They are made of titanium or zirconia and act like the root of a natural tooth. Implants are strong, long-lasting, and fuse with the bone over time.
Since they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, implants provide a stable, permanent solution for tooth loss. Many people forget they even have implants because they function just like real teeth. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime and offer a high success rate.
However, implants do require surgery, a longer treatment time, and enough bone to support the implant. To learn about our dental implant services, visit Dental implants.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another option for replacing missing teeth. They are a great choice for one or more missing teeth and can be supported by dental implants. Bridges come in different types.
The first is a conventional fixed bridge. It uses two crowns on the nearby teeth to hold a false tooth in place, filling in the gap. The crowns anchor the bridge and keep it secure.
Another option is an implant-supported fixed bridge. This is recommended when many teeth are missing or when nearby teeth don’t provide enough support. Implants are placed in the jawbone to hold the bridge firmly in place.
A third type is the adhesive bridge, also called a Maryland bridge. It’s best when there’s little damage to the nearby teeth. These bridges use a false tooth attached to metal wings that bond to the back of the nearby teeth with dental adhesive.
Each bridge type has its own benefits depending on your oral health and preferences. To learn about the dental bridges available at our office, visit Dental bridges.
Dentures
If you’re missing all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw, modern dentures might be a great option for you. Like dental bridges, dentures can be secured to implants for a more permanent solution. Implant-supported dentures are more stable and offer more benefits than traditional ones.
Dr. Shulman uses proven methods to choose the best treatment for your needs. There are many ways to restore missing teeth, and it’s important to understand your options and how to care for them. This helps us achieve the best results for your oral health and keeps patients happy.
To learn more about our denture options, visit Dentures.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What can dentists do to replace missing teeth?
There are several ways to replace missing teeth. You should talk with your dentist to find the best option for you. Dental implants are a common solution because they work and look like real teeth. They are the most popular choice for both dentists and patients.
Dental bridges are another option. Bridges attach to nearby teeth and can look very natural, but they don’t last as long as implants.
Dentures and partial dentures are also available. They are removable but still function and look like natural teeth. Dentures are a time-tested solution for people missing all their teeth.
What causes missing teeth?
The American College of Prosthetics says there are three main reasons people lose teeth. The first is genetics. Some people are born without certain teeth, known as congenitally missing teeth. This can happen with wisdom teeth, upper lateral teeth, or second premolars.
Tooth decay is another cause of missing teeth. If a cavity is not treated, it can become an infection that destroys the tooth. Over time, the bacteria reach deeper into the tooth, eventually causing it to fall out or require removal.
Gum disease is also a big reason for tooth loss. When gum disease is not treated, it can damage the jawbone, leading to dead or rotting teeth. Dentists must remove these teeth to save the rest of your mouth.
Do I need to replace one missing tooth?
Dentists recommend replacing any missing tooth, even if it’s just one. A missing tooth can affect your whole bite, lead to bone loss, and impact nearby teeth.
Can missing teeth cause gum infection?
If you’re missing teeth, it’s important to keep your gums clean and healthy. Without replacing lost teeth, you risk getting gum infections, which can lead to gum disease over time.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Replace your missing teeth today to protect your oral health in the future. Dr. Drew Shulman can restore your smile and confidence with long-lasting tooth replacement treatments. Call our Philadelphia dental office at (215) 372-1142.