Treatment Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Drs. Nicolas & Asp7 Jun 2024

Missing teeth are more than just an aesthetic concern. They can impact your ability to chew and speak properly, contribute to bone loss in the jaw, and even affect your self-confidence. The good news is that modern dentistry offers a number of options to replace missing teeth and restore your oral health and smile.

Chewing difficulties: Missing teeth make it harder to chew food effectively, limiting one’s food choices, which can lead to digestive issues and malnutrition.
Jawbone deterioration: When teeth are missing, the jawbone doesn't receive the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. This can lead to bone loss and a sunken appearance in the face.
Shifting teeth: The remaining teeth may shift to fill the gaps left by missing teeth, leading to misalignment and bite problems.
Jaw joint and TMJ problem exacerbation: Missing teeth can disrupt even bite distribution, causing undue stress on remaining teeth and straining jaw muscles and ligaments.

Dental Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

At Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers, we offer several treatments to replace missing teeth:

Dental implants: Implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone to act as anchors for artificial teeth. Implants are the most durable and natural-looking option, promoting jawbone health and preventing bone loss.
Bridges: Also called “fixed partial dentures”, bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth which are anchored in place by dental crowns attached to the neighboring natural teeth or dental implants. They are a good option for replacing single or multiple missing teeth in a row
Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetics that replace a full set of teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or both. They are typically made of acrylic resin and can be full or partial dentures depending on the number of teeth missing.

Making the Right Choice

The best option for replacing missing teeth depends on your own needs and circumstances. Here are some factors your dentist will consider when recommending the type of treatment.

Number of teeth missing
Location of the missing teeth
Health of your jawbone
Overall oral health
Lifestyle and preferences
Budget

Talk to Your Dentist

If you have missing teeth, it's important to discuss your options with your dentist. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment to restore your oral health and smile.