Do you have a missing tooth that is affecting your smile? You should address missing teeth as soon as possible to avoid additional dental problems that affect your oral health. Without treatment, missing teeth can lead to bone loss in your jaw and changes in your bite as adjacent teeth begin to shift position.
Dr. Morgan Chambers offers several tooth replacement options for missing teeth in our Lexington, KY dental office. After a comprehensive dental exam, she will recommend the most suitable options for your dental health and cosmetic goals. We will never recommend unnecessary treatments and do our best to offer affordable dental care for all ages.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options in Lexington, KY
Missing teeth can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available to replace your lost teeth and restore your mouth. Depending on the severity of your tooth loss, you may choose from dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, or full dentures.
Each treatment option has its own benefits and drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision. We will help you understand the different types of missing teeth treatment options available and the benefits they offer.
Dentures and Partials
Today’s cosmetic dentures can provide you with a natural-looking option when you have lost several or all of your teeth. Dentures can be removable or permanently secured using dental implants, also known as “All-on-Four”. Dr. Chambers will recommend implant-secured dentures because of their high rate of patient satisfaction and the benefits. To learn about how our dentist can use dentures and partial dentures to replace your missing teeth, see Dentures and partials.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a removable appliance that can replace one or several lost teeth. As with dentures, a dental bridge can be removable (known as flipper teeth) or permanent using dental implants. The bridge consists of up to 4 false teeth (or pontics) and two crowns. The dental crowns sit on either side of the pontic.
The dental bridge securely fastens to the adjacent teeth, providing stability and strength for chewing and speaking. Dental bridges can help restore your smile, improve your bite, and maintain the shape of your face. To learn more about our dental bridge services, see Dental bridge.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most desirable option for replacing missing teeth. This is because they function much like a natural tooth. A dental implant is a tiny titanium post that an oral surgeon installs into the jaw bone. The post will act as a replacement tooth root to reduce bone loss and subsequent jaw shrinkage.
Dr. Chambers is one of few local dentists providing full services for dental implants. This means that we preform all phases of the implant process in our newly-renovated Lexington dental office. Dr. Chambers will ensure a patient is a good candidate for dental implants or implant-secured dentures before treatment. Sufficient jaw bone is necessary for the implantation of the titanium post.
Dental implants have had an over 95% success rate among current patients, enabling them to eat and speak normally. With proper dental care, dental implants provide a permanent solution to lost teeth. To learn more about our implant dentistry, see:
- Dental Implants
- Dental Implants FAQs
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Dental Implant Process
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants for Multiple Teeth
- Single Tooth Dental Implant
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
Missing Teeth FAQs
Do you still have questions about missing and lost teeth? Do your research whether you’re considering dentures, a dental implant, or other tooth replacement option. Get a better understanding of your choices by reading the following frequently asked questions about missing teeth.
What can dentists do to replace missing teeth?
You will need to consider many options when replacing missing teeth. Dental implants are a common choice because they function and look like natural teeth. Bridges are also a popular choice because they also feel and look natural. Our patients that want a removable option that they can upgrade from later usually choose partial dentures.
What are the causes of missing teeth?
The American College of Prosthetics says that there are three main categories as to why people lose teeth. Many people are born without some of their teeth. Missing a molar or one wisdom tooth is actually fairly common. The second reason is because of an untreated cavity.
If a patient leaves a cavity untreated, over time the bacteria will go deeper into the tooth and gums. Gum disease is the third reason patients may be missing teeth. Gum disease attacks the jaw bone. If the damage done to the jaw bone is severe enough it may cause patients to need to have teeth removed.
Do I really need to replace a missing tooth?
Dentists highly recommend replacing missing teeth for many health reasons. For example, missing teeth can shift your bite and cause the surrounding teeth to shift. Resulting in crookedness and a misaligned bite.
Additionally, the remaining teeth may become more vulnerable and prone to weakened enamel, gum problems, and decay. Furthermore, your jawbone and gums may lose volume and density. Lastly, lost teeth can have a negative aesthetic impact, resulting in a sunken and aged look. For these reasons, replace your lost teeth before it’s too late.
Can missing teeth cause problems?
Missing teeth can cause many problems for patients who do not replace them. When a tooth is missing, it exposes your gum tissue. This increases your risk of infection because bacteria can access your gum tissue much easier than before.
If you choose not to treat a missing tooth, it may also change the shape of your face. Your face becomes slightly asymmetrical because it changes your jawbone structure. You may experience premature facial sagging as a result.
What is the best option for a missing front tooth?
Dental implants are the most common choice for replacing a missing front tooth. They are the strongest, most durable option, while also aesthetically being able to blend in. We can color-match implant restorations so that they are the same color as your other teeth. We will blend them in with the overall appearance of your bite.
At what age do adults start losing teeth?
Many people will begin to lose teeth as they age. Studies have shown that most adults have lost about 12 teeth by the age of 50. Between the ages of 65-74, 26% of people have lost all their teeth. Untreated missing teeth can cause a variety of health issues in adults.
Will missing a tooth affect my eating or speaking?
Yes, missing a tooth can affect both eating and speaking. When you lose a tooth, it might be harder to chew certain foods, especially harder ones. This can make eating less enjoyable.
Missing teeth can also change the way you pronounce some sounds, making it harder to speak clearly. For example, you might have trouble with “s” or “th” sounds.
How much do tooth replacement options cost?
The cost of tooth replacement options can vary depending on what you choose. Traditional bridges and partial dentures are often the least expensive because they replace fewer teeth. Dentures often cost more because they replace full tooth arches. Dental implants can also add to treatment costs, but they ensure restorations last longer. We will review cost with you when we create your treatment plan.
Schedule a Worry-Free Dental Consultation
Our dentist at Complete Dentistry For All Ages will conduct a thorough evaluation to see which treatment best fits you. We can also combine multiple treatments for a smile makeover! Schedule a consultation online today, or give us a call at 859-251-3809 today.