Missing teeth can lead to difficulties with speech, chewing, and digestion while negatively impacting self-esteem and social interactions.
If you have one or multiple missing teeth, several options are available to regain your full smile and secure the remaining teeth so they don’t drift.
From full dental implants to temporary veneers and dental bonds, there is a wide variety of options to choose from when replacing natural teeth.
Each option has characteristics that may make it more suitable for you than the other, so it is important to consult our highly qualified dentist to see which one is right for you.
What are the conditions that lead to missing teeth?
Missing teeth can be an uncomfortable experience, as they’re obvious and limit your ability to enjoy food properly.
Usually, they are caused by tooth decay or dental trauma, though absent or missing teeth can also result from medical conditions or genetics.
Regardless of the cause, just one missing tooth can leave you feeling embarrassed and self-conscious.
Thankfully, modern treatments offer a range of solutions to replace missing teeth and improve your overall dental health while maintaining the health and position of your other teeth.
Dental decay
Dental decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a common disease caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel by bacteria and is a leading cause of missing teeth.
When the enamel is weakened, acid produced by bacteria can create tiny holes in the teeth, known as cavities.
If left untreated, the cavity can grow large, allowing food and bacteria to enter the inner part of the tooth, leading to infection and inflammation of the tooth’s pulp, which can result in dental decay.
In advanced stages, decay can weaken the tooth to the point where it cannot support a filling or a dental crown and must be extracted.
Decay can also spread to adjacent teeth; over time, the cumulative effect of untreated decay can result in the loss of multiple teeth.
Oral trauma
Oral trauma and accidents can cause significant damage to the teeth and surrounding structures of the mouth.
In cases where multiple teeth are lost due to trauma, the impact on dental health can be significant. Depending on the force of impact, your tooth may become loose, fractured, or completely knocked out.
In the most severe cases, the trauma affects not just one tooth but the surrounding teeth, leading to the loss of multiple teeth. This can significantly impact your dental health and overall quality of life.
Teeth provide support and structure to the jawbone, and when they are missing, the bone can begin to resorb, leading to changes in facial structure and a higher risk of developing gum disease.
When a tooth is knocked out due to trauma, it is called an avulsed tooth. To save the tooth, it is important to seek immediate dental attention.
Gum disease
Gingivitis and periodontal disease are both dental conditions that affect the gums and lead to tooth loss by damaging the supportive structures of natural teeth.
If left untreated, both conditions can eventually lead to tooth loss.
The link between gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth loss is that these conditions affect the supportive structures of the teeth.
The gums, ligaments, and bone matter that surround and support the teeth play a critical role in keeping them in their proper position. When these structures become damaged or inflamed, they can no longer provide the necessary support, which can cause teeth to become loose or even fall out.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a gum disease that can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums and is typically the first stage of periodontal disease.
If not treated promptly, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, characterised by the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums.
These pockets provide a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause further inflammation and damage to the surrounding tissues.
As the disease progresses, the pockets can deepen, causing even more damage to the gums and bone.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a more severe form that can cause significant damage to the gums, ligaments, and bones that hold the teeth in place and can lead to tooth loss in multiple ways.
For one, the damage to the supportive structures of the teeth can cause them to become loose and eventually fall out.
Additionally, as the disease progresses, the pockets between the teeth and gums can become filled with bacteria, leading to abscesses and infections.
These infections can cause significant damage to the surrounding tissues and bone, which can further contribute to tooth loss.
Genetic anomaly
Genetic anomalies can cause hypodontia, a condition where certain teeth fail to develop. It can affect both primary and permanent teeth.
Conditions caused by genetics can range from minor deficiencies in teeth to more complex situations where some people may not develop teeth at all.
Certain medical conditions and medications
There are several medical conditions and medications that can cause tooth loss:
Medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and eating disorders can lead to tooth loss for varied reasons.
Similarly, strong medications such as steroids for different ailments can affect your teeth, causing them to fall out.
How can I replace a missing tooth?
In case of one or even multiple missing teeth, there are several options for restoring dental health and improving your smile’s appearance.
Dental bridges
This is a fixed dental prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth by permanently fitting an artificial tooth or teeth to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
Bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, or a combination of materials. The material used depends on several factors, such as the location of the missing tooth, the bite forces in that area, the patient’s preference and, of course, aesthetics.
To make a dental bridge, the dentist first prepares the adjacent natural teeth or implants by reducing their size to make room for the bridge. Then, an impression of the prepared teeth and the surrounding gums is taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge is fabricated. The bridge is custom-made to fit the patient’s specific mouth and bite.
Once the bridge is ready, the dentist will fit and cement it onto the prepared teeth or implants. Our top-rated dentist may make slight adjustments to the bridge to ensure it fits properly and does not interfere with the patient’s bite.
Dental bridges replace missing teeth and restore proper function and aesthetics to the mouth.
Partial dentures
A partial denture is a removable restoration typically made of acrylic or metal. They are designed to replace one or more missing teeth and are held in place by clasps that attach to adjacent teeth.
To create a removable partial denture, our skilled dentist first takes an impression of your mouth to create a mould. The mould is then sent to a highly-rated dental laboratory, where your tooth’s prosthesis is fabricated.
Once the prosthesis is ready, our experienced dentist will fit it in your mouth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it is a comfortable and secure fit for you.
Partial dentures can restore proper function and aesthetics to your mouth, improving your quality of life dramatically by enhancing your ability to chew food and restoring your smile so you exude confidence in all social interactions.
Dental implants
A dental implant is another option to replace a missing tooth. It involves placing a titanium post into the jawbone to support an artificial tooth or teeth.
A dental implant comprises three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the crown. The implant is inserted into the jaw bone in a surgical procedure, and it bonds with the bone to become a sturdy anchor for the replacement tooth or teeth.
The small abutment is then attached to the implant and serves as a connector between the implant and the prosthetic tooth. The crown is the visible part that replaces the missing tooth and can be made to match the colour of your natural teeth.
No matter which option you choose, replacing missing teeth can have a tremendously beneficial effect on both your dental health and self-confidence.
It is important to consult with one of our knowledgeable dentists to determine which option is best for you and restore the natural look of your smile because, with the right treatment, it’s possible to regain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Transform your smile today: Don’t wait another day to replace your missing teeth with Good Choice Dental in Burwood!
Stop hiding your smile and start laughing freely again! At Good Choice Dental, we offer premier tooth replacement treatments that will give you a natural-looking smile that you can be proud of. Our team of highly qualified and skilled dentists in Sydney are here to guide you through every step of the process.
Don’t let cost hold you back; we accept various insurance and payment plans to fit your budget. Contact us now on (02) 8203 8760 to book your appointment and take the first step towards a radiant smile!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Hypodontia (Missing Teeth): Causes & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24192-hypodontia-missing-teeth#:~:text=People%20with%20hypodontia%20are%20born,the%20condition%20to%20their%20children
What Can You Do for Missing Teeth? | Healthline
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/missing-teeth#partial-denture
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