In today’s world, having a beautiful smile is practically part of the everyday dress code. Unfortunately, at least one in ten people across North America suffers from multiple broken or missing teeth. People who have lost or need to replace missing teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or trauma face many unwanted challenges and dental concerns.
Missing teeth can create issues such as difficulty chewing, speech pattern changes, and a negative impact on personal self-confidence. The simple fact is both missing teeth and broken teeth can have a significant impact on your social and professional life.
Dr. Robert Gauthier treats patients with missing teeth in Northborough, MA. He helps his patients restore the look and function of their smiles.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Excluding wisdom teeth, you (along with every other adult) have 28 teeth that are designed to work together as a complete system. Removing one tooth from that system without replacing it can have a variety of negative consequences. Much like an arch, if you remove the keystone the arch collapses.
Likewise, if you are missing teeth, your surrounding teeth will collapse or tilt off their natural axis – creating an uneven, unattractive smile. You will also develop bite problems and increase your risk of gum deterioration.
Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth
At Apex Dental, we provide patients who need teeth replacement services with the highest level of care and customer service possible.
Using cutting-edge technology, we create custom dental restorations to replace missing teeth, allowing our patients to enjoy the full benefits of a beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smile.
Additional reasons to replace missing teeth at Apex Dental include:
- Our restorations are made of the best materials modern dentistry has to offer
- All procedures are done in a comfortable, relaxing, and private setting
- We offer the fastest turnaround on dental restorations in the Northborough, MA area
- We have a fully equipped in-house lab that includes a CEREC restoration machine
- Quick restoration turnaround means less chair time for our patients
- All restorations are seamless once in place
Treatments That Replace Missing Teeth
The good news is that Apex Dental provides a variety of restorative dental procedures and treatment plans designed to mitigate problems that result from both missing and broken teeth.
Which procedure is recommended depends largely on the clinical needs of each individual patient as well as their cosmetic goals.
Regardless of which restorations are used, all broken teeth repairs and missing teeth replacements at Apex Dental are created with proper form, function, and aesthetics in mind.
If you are a candidate for dental implants, Dr. Gauthier will perform all phases of the process, including the surgical placement of the dental implant as well as the restoration of the crown, bridge or denture.
Procedures we perform include:
- Dental Implants: Teeth implants can replace one, several, or all of your missing teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots. Your dentist will place them into your jawbone. These metal posts will provide a base for a dental crown, bridge, or denture. They offer a natural-looking and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. To learn more about the dental implant process, see Dental Implants.
- Dental Bridges: Your dentist can use dental bridges for filling the gap left by one or more missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, which are held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth. Bridges restore your smile, improve your ability to chew, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting. To learn more about the bridge process, see Dental Bridges.
- Dentures and Partials: We will recommend a denture to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissues. Your dentist will custom-design the prosthesis to fit in your mouth. A denture can replace a few missing teeth or an entire arch. Dentures restore your smile, improve your ability to eat and speak, and provide a non-invasive option for tooth replacement. To learn more about the different types of dentures we office, see Dentures and Partials.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Missing teeth can lead to serious dental problems. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Do I have to replace a missing tooth?
We highly recommend you replace even one missing tooth as soon as possible. When you lose a natural tooth, the teeth around it will shift to try and fill in the gap in your smile. You may also have trouble eating and speaking normally. In addition, the jawbone starts to deteriorate in that area the instant you miss a tooth. It leads to sagging facial muscles and other oral health problems.
Will people notice if I have missing teeth?
They likely will. Even if it’s a missing molar, it’s noticeable when a tooth is gone. If the missing tooth is toward the front of your mouth, it’ll be hard to laugh or eat in public without people seeing it. You can develop low self-esteem and social problems when you hide your teeth more than you smile comfortably.
What teeth most commonly go missing?
Premolars, the teeth between your molars and canines, are the most common missing teeth. They’re followed by your upper lateral incisors, located on either side of your front upper teeth, and your bottom front teeth.
How many missing teeth does the average person have?
By the age of 50, the average American has lost 12 of their permanent teeth. This is typically due to tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma/injury. The older you get, the more at-risk you are. Seniors are more likely to develop tooth decay and gum disease due to dry mouth and other factors that occur as we age.
At what age do adults start to lose teeth?
The average American starts adulthood with 28 teeth, if you don’t count the wisdom teeth. By the age of 44, 69% of people have lost at least one tooth. By the age of 74, 26% of Americans are missing all of their teeth.
What’s the best method of replacing missing teeth?
We recommend dental implants whenever possible. They’re the gold standard of tooth replacement and the only option that replaces the tooth root. However, you do need to have a certain amount of healthy bone structure to ensure implant placement is successful. Our office also offers alternative solutions like dental bridges and dentures.
What are the main causes of tooth loss?
Various factors can cause tooth loss. One common reason is gum disease, which weakens the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. Tooth decay and injuries can also lead to tooth loss. Additionally, poor oral hygiene and unhealthy habits like smoking can increase the risk of tooth loss.
What are the long-term effects of not replacing missing teeth?
Not replacing missing teeth can have long-term consequences for your oral health. Your remaining teeth will shift out to place and lead to misalignment and bite problems. Misalignment and problems with your bite can cause issues with chewing, speaking, and even jaw pain. Additionally, missing teeth can affect your confidence and overall well-being. It’s important to consider replacement options to maintain a healthy and functional smile.
Can missing teeth lead to bone loss in the jaw?
Yes, missing teeth can cause bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth comes out of the socket, the jawbone in that area will not receive the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Over time, the bone can weaken and deteriorate, known as bone resorption. This can cause further dental issues and even change the shape of your face.
Does insurance cover tooth replacement procedures?
Insurance coverage for tooth replacement procedures varies depending on your specific plan. Your dental insurance may cover some of the cost, especially if your dentist says it is medically necessary. It’s best to check with your insurance company to learn more about your coverage and out-of-pocket costs for tooth replacement options.
Restore Missing Teeth Today
Are you a great candidate for reconstructive dental work? Don’t spend another day hiding your smile. If you are suffering from missing or broken teeth, call Apex Dental today.
If you are interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry or other solutions, please call us at [new-patient-phone], or request an appointment online today.