A Dentist’s Guide to Replacing Missing Teeth

Missing Teeth

A missing tooth can alter your smile’s appearance. Whether your tooth is missing due to a genetic condition or gum disease, a missing tooth can affect your teeth alignment over time and also impact your speech and ability to chew food.

In this brief, we delve into the subject of missing teeth, focusing on the diverse factors that can lead to tooth loss and how to replace missing teeth. Additionally, we address the complications that arise from having missing teeth and highlight the advantages associated with replacing them. By delving into these aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand.

Causes of Missing Teeth

Some of the causes of missing teeth include:

  • Genetics: In some situations, your secondary teeth may fail to form because of a genetic malformation of the jawbone. 
  • Gum Disease: This creates “pockets” between the teeth and gums which may cause teeth decay and tissue recession over time and, consequently, tooth loss.
  • Injury: Injuries during falls or car accidents can also cause teeth loss.
  • Other Factors: Other additional tooth loss risk factors include smoking, tooth decay, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene practices.

Teeth Replacement Options

Have a look at some of the options for replacing missing teeth together with their pros and cons.

Dental Implants

These are viable options if you plan or replacing one tooth or several of them in different parts of your mouth. A dental implant procedure involves your dentist surgically mounting a titanium metal frame or post into your jaw. The metal serves to replace your tooth’s roots and anchor the replacement tooth that will be placed on top of it. 

Pros

  • They look and feel like natural teeth
  • Adjacent teeth aren’t involved, so they stay intact
  • They can last for decades

Cons

  • They involve invasive surgical procedures and a lengthy recovery period
  • Implants are more costly than other teeth replacement options.

 

Fixed Dental Bridges

If you aren’t eligible for a dental implant procedure, fixed dental bridges are another option you can explore. They are effective for replacing missing teeth in the same area. So how does a fixed dental bridgework? It uses an artificial tooth to bridge the gap caused by a missing tooth. Your dentist then attaches the prosthetic to adjacent teeth before bonding it in place with the aid of dental cement.

Pros

  • Bridges have a natural look and feel
  • They are more cost-friendly than dental implants

Cons

  • They make it hard to clean the areas underneath
  • They alter existing teeth

 

Removable Partial Dentures

Complete dentures are perfect for replacing all your teeth. However, if you only need to replace some of your teeth in one area of the mouth, removable partial dentures are the way to go. A removable partial denture comprises replacement teeth anchored to a pink base to mimic the color of natural teeth and gums.

Pros

  • They have a natural look and feel
  • They are less costly compared to other teeth restorative solutions

Cons

  • You may experience some discomfort at first
  • Dentures require you to remove and clean them daily

 

Problems Associated with Missing Teeth

The impact of missing teeth may vary depending on factors such as their location in the mouth. However, your teeth are tailored to work in unison, so missing a tooth or more can have the following effects:

  • Speech problems
  • Discomfort when chewing food could lead to eating on only one side of the mouth
  • Your mouth may shift, thus altering the shape of your face 
  • Changes in bite to compensate for lost teeth

Benefits of Replacing Missing Teeth

Knowing the various problems that arise from missing teeth, it is crucial that you visit our dentist at Dental Studio On Wellesley to replace your missing teeth.

Here are some of the benefits of replacing missing teeth:

  • Prevents bone loss
  • Ensures healthy gums
  • Maintains an even bite
  • Restores full functionality of your teeth
  • Preserves the facial structure, thus improving the appearance of your smile

Final Thoughts

From injuries and gum disease to poor nutrition and genetics, there are several causes of missing teeth in humans. Fortunately, technological advancements in dentistry have made it possible for people to access several teeth restorative options, such as bridges and dentures.

Are you in Toronto, Ontario, or its environs and need to replace missing teeth near you? At Dental Studio On Wellesley, we understand your teeth function better together and will help you find the most suitable teeth replacement option for you. So call us today or walk into our office in Toronto today and talk to our dentist.

Dental Studio On Wellesley: Best Dentist on Yonge and Wellesley

Dr. Sobhi has been practicing dentistry for over 14 years. She and her team of experienced dental professionals love helping patients achieve their healthiest and most beautiful smiles possible.

Yonge and Wellesley Dental proudly provide comprehensive dental care in Yonge and Eglinton. Our beautiful and modern office has the latest in dental technology which assists us in providing our patients with the best care possible.

For more information, You can find us in DENTAL STUDIO ON WELLESLEY to schedule an appointment in our office, schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 1.416.858.4949

Our Locations

Are you perplexed about the dental treatment you need? Or you are concerned about which dental clinic is the right option for your dental treatment? Don’t worry we have the best dentists in town with high-tech services. For your convenience, we have multiple dental offices at different locations. Let us know your location and queries we will guide you to your nearest dental office. The location of the dental offices is as follows:

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