Learn More About
Missing Teeth
Our Treatment Options for Missing Teeth Can Help You Achieve a Healthy and Beautiful Smile.
When you lose a tooth or several teeth, it’s more than just an embarrassing gap in your smile. It can also affect your ability to chew properly and may even cause speech impediments.
Even if you only have one missing tooth, the remaining teeth can begin to shift to fill the space. Furthermore, bone loss can occur around the empty socket if a tooth is missing for an extended period.
Fortunately, there are options available at AP Dental to help restore your smile. One option is dentures, which are removable replacements for missing teeth. AP Dental also offers dental implants, a popular choice that can provide a natural-looking and long-lasting replacement for missing teeth. We offer these treatments to help our patients achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. The friendly and experienced dentists at AP Dental can help you choose the right treatment for your individual needs.
Common Causes of Missing Teeth
- Tooth decay is one of the common causes of missing teeth. The tooth’s enamel becomes weakened and damaged, allowing bacteria to enter and cause decay.
- Gum disease is caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which can result in inflammation and infection of the gums. Without treatment, gum disease can eventually cause the teeth to become loose and fall out.
- In some cases, missing teeth can be due to injury or trauma. A bad fall, car accident, or sports injury can damage the teeth or supporting bones.
- Some people are born without all their adult teeth or may have a condition that causes them to lose their teeth early.
Dental Services that Can Address Missing Teeth
Dentures
Dentures are made of acrylic and fit snugly over your gums to replace all or some missing teeth. They are removable, so cleaning is easy.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are fixed or removable and can be attached to natural teeth or implants. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth and can be made from various materials, including metal and ceramics.
All-on-4-Implants
This innovative technique uses only four implants to replace an entire arch of teeth—upper or lower. The implants are placed in the jawbone and act as anchors for the new teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term option for missing teeth. Titanium posts are placed directly into the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for artificial teeth and help prevent bone loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Teeth
What are the benefits of replacing a missing tooth or teeth?
When people think about replacing a missing tooth or teeth, they only consider the cosmetic benefits. While it’s true that replacing missing teeth can improve the aesthetics of your smile, there are also several important functional benefits. For instance, replacing missing teeth can help improve speech impediments, restore mouth function, and stop jaw bone deterioration. They can also help maintain your original facial structure. Additionally, replacement teeth can protect remaining teeth from damage and prevent them from shifting. In other words, replacement teeth offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply improving the way you look.
What happens if I don't replace my missing tooth?
Here’s what you need to know about the consequences of not replacing a missing tooth:
- It can affect your speech.
The teeth and tongue work together when you speak to produce certain sounds. If you’re missing a tooth, it can change how your tongue moves and make it difficult to produce certain sounds correctly. - It can impact how you eat.
Losing a tooth can make chewing difficult and lead to problems like indigestion. - It can affect your jaw and facial muscles.
Keeping your facial muscles healthy requires the support of your teeth. When a tooth is missing, those muscles can weaken and lead to changes in your appearance, like sagging skin or wrinkles. - It can change the shape of your face.
Teeth play such an important role in supporting the facial muscles and when one is missing, it can cause your mouth to shift out of alignment. It can give you a sunken-in appearance and make you look older than you are. - The remaining teeth may shift.
When there’s a gap between your teeth, the nearby teeth can drift into that space. It can lead to problems with your bite and make it difficult to clean your teeth. - There will be a gradual deterioration of the jaw around the empty socket because, without a tooth root, there’s nothing stimulating bone growth. Over time, this can lead to bone loss and further dental problems.
How do I prevent tooth loss in the future?
You can help prevent tooth loss by following these simple tips:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least two times per day.
- Brush your tongue to reduce bacteria.
- Floss at least once per day.
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
- It is recommended to visit your dentist one to two times a year for a cleaning and check-up.
Is replacing a missing tooth costly?
The cost can vary significantly depending on the type of replacement you choose. For example, dentures start at $1,350 for an upper or lower denture and $2,350 for a complete denture (upper and lower). Dental bridges start at $2,800 per tooth, single implants start at $2,900, and implant-supported dentures can start at $21,300. As you can see, there is a wide range in pricing. However, no matter what your budget may be, there is likely a dental treatment that will work for you. So don’t hesitate to talk to us. The friendly dentists at AP Dental will discuss your options and find the most suitable one for your smile – and your wallet.
Get a Smile that Stands Out
At AP Dental, we are proud to offer a wide range of dental services to meet the needs of our patients. From professional cleanings and dental fillings to more complex procedures, we are here to help you maintain a brighter, healthier smile. Book your appointment today and see the difference our team can make.
