If you’re dealing with missing teeth, you’re not alone. There are many reasons why people have missing teeth, and it isn’t only due to poor oral health. Just as there are many reasons for missing teeth, there are several different treatments available. Replacing a missing tooth or set of teeth is important to your overall health. Ridgetop Dental Group is a respected practice in Reston, VA specializing in restoring patients’ healthy smiles.
Consequences of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth is more than a cosmetic concern. In addition to a less-than-perfect smile, missing teeth can affect jawbone health, teeth stability, and increase your risk of gum disease. It’s important to consider options to replace them to protect the long-term health of your smile.
The biggest risk of missing teeth is jaw bone loss, which can lead to additional oral health problems. When teeth are missing, the underlying jaw bone is no longer stimulated and begins to recede. When this happens, the teeth that are left behind become less stable in the mouth and may become loose, crooked, or cause problems with jaw alignment.
Loose or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, can increase your risk for gum disease. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, and loose teeth may allow bacteria to settle in. These teeth can also become overcrowded as the jawbone continues to deteriorate, posing a risk of tooth fracture or tooth decay.
How to Replace Missing Teeth
It is important to replace missing teeth to keep the jaw in alignment and protect the teeth from decay. Missing teeth may result in issues with bite stability and cause problems eating or speaking, so seeking treatment is important. There are several treatments available to replace missing teeth.
1. Dental Implants
According to tooth replacement experts, a dental implant offers people with missing teeth a permanent smile solution. A dental implant is simply a tiny post embedded in the jaw that attaches onto a dental crown. The crown fills in the gap left by a lost tooth to restore the appearance, health, and full use of your teeth.
Dental implants are often recommended by both patients and dentists because they look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth. And while the cost of dental implants may be more than other options, their many benefits make them well worth the extra dental implant costs.
2. Dental Bridges
A bridge is a kind of prosthesis (replacement part) that fills the gap left by a missing tooth and is supported on the surrounding healthy teeth. In dental terms, the artificial replacement tooth is called a “pontic” (from the French word “pont” meaning bridge). The healthy adjacent teeth — called abutments — support the pontic on either side. The completed prosthesis crosses over the gap in your teeth just like a bridge spanning a canyon.
3. Dentures
Dentures are sets of artificial teeth designed to restore functionality without implants. Partial dentures are ideal for people who only need a few teeth replaced, or just the top or bottom arch. Full dentures replace all teeth in the mouth. Both partial and full dentures require impressions of the mouth and precise measurements to ensure they fit correctly.
Implant-supported dentures are full arches of missing teeth secured by a few strategically placed implants, which support gum health more than traditional dentures. Implants stimulate jaw bone growth, keeping the jaw from shrinking or changing shape over time. Traditional dentures do not offer this benefit.
Replacing A Missing Tooth in Reston, VA
No matter which option you feel is right for you, Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA can help you! Schedule a consultation with our experienced team online today or call us to get on track to restore your smile.
