Replace Missing Teeth – Worcester, MA
What to Do About Gaps in Your Grin
Missing teeth are a cosmetic and general dental concern. Lost permanent teeth can impact your sense of confidence and lead to more complex dental problems that affect your overall health and well-being. Missing teeth affect the supporting structures around them: the gums, the neighboring teeth, and the jawbone. Over time, the shape of the jaw and bite position can change. This can lead to difficulty eating and speaking normally as well as an aged appearance. The risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases when teeth are lost. At Dr. Joseph Costa Family Dentistry, we offer several options for replacing missing teeth in Worcester. We help patients restore dental health, and create comfortable, functional smiles. Our dental team emphasizes the importance of prompt tooth replacement for the best outcome. If you address this issue early, you will have the widest range of treatment options available.
Options for Replacing Missing Teeth
We comprehensively examine your entire occlusal system: gums, jaw joints, and remaining teeth. Evaluating the overall function of your occlusal system is an important part of providing results that restore a natural, comfortable smile. Then, we will recommend the most suitable option for your unique dental health, cosmetic goals, and budget. We will never recommend unnecessary treatments and will always consult with you before any treatment begins.
Treatment options for replacing missing teeth can include:
- Dental implants replace a missing tooth or permanently secure a denture. Dental implants function much like natural teeth and offer many benefits for patients.
- Dental bridges replace one or several lost teeth in a row. A dental bridge will be custom fit to fill in the “gap” left by a lost tooth and restore normal function.
- Dentures that are permanently secured with dental implants offer a great result that also improves dental health.
How Do Dental Implants Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing a lost tooth is essential for avoiding serious complications, such as misalignment and loss of jawbone density. We often recommend dental implants to our patients to replace missing teeth. How do dental implants replace missing teeth? What sets this prosthetic apart from dental bridges and dentures?
Preparation and Placement
First, we will need to assess your gum health and the strength of your jawbone tissue to decide if you qualify for the procedure. If so, we will decide where to place the dental implant, and an oral surgeon will surgically insert the post into the jawbone. Made from biocompatible titanium, the implant post bonds with the jawbone like a natural tooth root. The area will then need to heal over a period of three to six months.
Restoration
Once the area heals, we can place an abutment that holds a custom-made restoration in place. For single-tooth implants, we use a dental crown to replace the visible portion of the tooth. We can create a prosthetic if you’re receiving a replacement for multiple missing teeth. Whether receiving a crown or a prosthetic, we will use lifelike materials to ensure the new teeth look natural and blend seamlessly with your smile.
Maintaining Your New Tooth
By brushing and flossing daily and seeing the dentist every six months for dental checkups and teeth cleanings, you can help protect your new teeth. With proper care and attention, many dental implants can actually last a lifetime. If you have any questions about replacing missing teeth, then please contact our dental office today. We can discuss your options for enjoying a complete smile once again.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about missing teeth:
Why Should I Replace My Missing Teeth?
Failing to fill in the gaps in your smile is actually bad for your oral health. The surrounding teeth will start to shift toward the gap, which can lead to bite issues making it difficult to chew and speak.
Also, the underlying bone will begin to deteriorate slowly. This loss of bone in the jaw can be avoided by replacing your teeth with dental implants since they replace the tooth at the root. Missing teeth also makes you more susceptible to gum disease, tooth decay, and additional tooth loss. Aside from oral health reasons, missing teeth can lower your self-confidence and quality of life.
What is the Best Solution for Missing Teeth?
The most recommended way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants. This solution can avoid bone loss and give you a greater chewing force allowing for a healthier diet. Replacement teeth that are supported by dental implants will look, feel, and function just like natural teeth.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants?
The cost of dental implants depends on how many teeth are missing, where they are located in the mouth, how much your dental insurance will cover, and the type of restoration placed. The best way to learn more about the cost of dental implants is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Costa. Here, we will be able to learn more about your needs and provide you with an estimated cost.