Missing teeth are a common dental problem. There are multiple causes of missing teeth, including dental infections, accidents, or congenitally missing teeth. At Perfect Smiles of Bensalem, we can replace missing teeth in Bensalem, PA. Whether patients have a single lost tooth or all of their teeth missing, our office is here to help.
Replacing lost teeth can prevent further dental concerns, including the spread of infection, crowded teeth, and more tooth loss. Restoring missing teeth can improve your confidence. If you have one or more gaps left by lost teeth, replacing these teeth with natural-looking restorations will create a fuller smile.
Why Should You Replace Missing Teeth?
Even a single missing tooth makes a significant difference in your oral health. Missing teeth can eventually lead to these problems:
- Shifting Teeth
- Bone Loss
- Speech Issues
- Gum Recession
- Difficulty Biting and Chewing
- Jaw Problems
If you lose a tooth due to gum disease or tooth decay, infection can spread to other natural teeth or gums. You can lose more teeth and experience receding gums if you do not receive dental care. Harmful bacteria can also collect in the gap left by a lost tooth.
Remaining natural teeth often shift after you lose a tooth. These teeth shift to fill the spot left by the missing tooth. As teeth shift, they can overcrowd. Overcrowded teeth are hard to clean, meaning bacteria can build between overlapping teeth.
A restoration will improve bite function and create a more even bite. Biting and chewing with missing teeth puts more pressure on some teeth than others. Over time, this unbalanced pressure affects the jaw. Sometimes, patients with missing teeth also develop TMJ disorders.
Options for Replacing Missing Teeth in Bensalem, PA
Three main restorative dental treatments effectively replace missing teeth:
Dental Implants
Implants are the gold standard for restoring one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts that we place in the jaw bone. Implant posts act like new tooth roots to support durable dental restorations.
With implants, you can eat the foods you enjoy with fewer restrictions. If you choose a fixed implant restoration, you can brush and floss like your natural teeth. Implants are permanent; the implant posts will stay as long as you care for oral health.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces rows of missing teeth. Bridges restore one or more consecutive missing teeth. Traditional bridges use support from natural teeth on either side of the missing tooth gap.
However, implants can secure bridges. Patients with natural, healthy teeth do not need tooth preparation to support their bridge if they receive implants.
Dentures
Partial and complete dentures replace rows and entire upper or lower tooth arches. Removable dentures can use adhesive or implants for support.
Fixed implant dentures can provide increased benefits to patients missing multiple teeth. Implant-secured dentures do not require rebasing or constant replacement. Additionally, implant-supported dentures will not slip around the mouth, unlike removable dentures.
Preparing for Restorative Treatment
Sometimes, we require dental extractions before restorative care. We will extract severely impacted and infected teeth to prevent these teeth from affecting the health of the new restoration. Additionally, we will recommend gum disease or root canal therapy if patients have current infections.
Problem teeth can impact the health and stability of your new restoration. Patients who require implant-secured crowns, bridges, or dentures benefit from bone grafting if they do not have healthy jaw bone. We place healthy tissue in areas with bone recession during grafting. Grafting adds volume to the jaw bone and ensures patients are candidates for implant treatment.
Once you are in good oral health, we will help you find the best restoration for your budget and goals.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Learn more about treatment for missing teeth with answers to these common questions:
Can you get Invisalign if you have a missing tooth?
Yes. You can complete Invisalign treatment if you have a single missing tooth. However, we will not recommend orthodontic treatment if you have a lost tooth due to gum disease or tooth decay. You need healthy bone and gum tissue to complete Invisalign. Following Invisalign treatment, you can receive your tooth replacement.
What is the best option to replace missing teeth?
Dental implants are the premier option to replace one or more missing teeth. Implants ensure restorations look and feel just like natural teeth. Restorations that use implants last longer than removable restorations
Do missing teeth lead to jaw bone loss?
Yes, missing teeth can lead to jaw bone loss. Within the first year of losing a permanent tooth, you can lose 25 percent of your jaw bone. After you lose a tooth, the jaw bone recede because it does not have support. The natural teeth help stimulate the jaw bone.
Can dental veneers cover missing teeth?
No. Veneers are shells that may cover small gaps, slightly crooked teeth, and discolored teeth. We recommend a single crown-capped dental implant for missing teeth or implant-secured restorations.
Can missing teeth affect my facial appearance?
Yes, missing teeth can affect your facial structure because missing teeth create jaw problems. After you lose one or more permanent teeth, you can begin to lose natural jaw bone. Jaw bone recession occurs when the jaw loses support from the tooth roots. As a result, you may notice facial sagging. Facial sagging from bone loss can make you appear older than you are.
How can I hide a missing front tooth?
We will provide a temporary restoration to cover your treated teeth before you receive your final restoration. Even if you miss a tooth in the front of your mouth, others will not notice when you begin professional treatment. This temporary restoration ensures that you will not be without teeth as we create your permanent crown, bridge, or denture.
Restore Your Lost Teeth
Improve the look, function, and health of your teeth and gums. Call Perfect Smiles of Bensalem to replace missing teeth in Bensalem, PA, at 215-770-1081. Schedule a dental appointment for restorative care online.