Missing, loose, and unsalvageable teeth affect all aspects of your life. The pain and sensitivity of failing teeth can become a constant discomfort, and loss of function can leave you with limited food choices. Failing dental health can also impact your confidence, social interactions, and even job prospects. If you’re suffering with severely damaged and missing teeth, you may feel like you’ve been fighting an uphill battle when it comes to your smile. Fortunately, you don’t have to live without a full set of functional, beautiful teeth. There are a variety of options to replace missing teeth, and Dr. Anderson can help you find the perfect fit to restore your health and rebuild a smile you’ll be proud of!
MISSING TEETH AFFECT YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR CONFIDENCE
Teeth can go missing for any number of reasons. If gum disease becomes severe enough, it can damage the support structures that keep your teeth in place. Eventually, this process wears away at the bony support and becomes periodontal disease. Advanced periodontal disease causes teeth to become loose, and eventually fall out.
Tooth decay is another major cause of tooth loss. Left untreated, cavities can progress deep into the tooth, eventually making it impossible to save. Deep cracks and fractures, severe wear, and systemic diseases like diabetes can all contribute to your risk of losing teeth as well.
No matter what caused your missing teeth, the potential health risks are the same. For each chewing surface that goes missing, the surrounding teeth take on more pressure. Over time, the added strain can cause more teeth to fail, leading to a cascade effect of dental health problems. Furthermore, teeth depend on their neighbors to stay upright and in the right position. Missing teeth allow your other teeth to shift, further deteriorating your bite and leading to jaw strain and further wear and tear.
Obviously, missing teeth can also make it harder to eat. The more teeth you’re missing, the more limited your food options may become. This can lead in turn to other issues like nutrient deficiencies and digestive problems. Research also shows that each missing tooth may increase your risks for cognitive decline later in life, including dementia and Alzheimer’s.
WE HAVE THE RIGHT TOOTH REPLACEMENT OPTIONS FOR YOU!
As you can see, replacing missing teeth is vital to the stability of your oral health as well as your long-term full body wellness. Your dental health needs are as unique as your smile, and Anderson Family Dental has plenty of tooth replacement options for you to choose from!
DENTAL BRIDGES
Dental Bridges can replace chewing surfaces with a false tooth fused to the two neighboring teeth. Bridges are a cost-effective option that can permanently replace one or several teeth in the same area. However, because they depend on two stable teeth to support them, bridges aren’t always an option for every case. They’re relatively easy to care for, but can build up plaque and food debris underneath, so a little extra effort with flossing goes a long way. A WaterPik is a great way to keep dental bridges clean.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
Dental Implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. They mimic natural teeth using three parts. The post is an anchor that replaces the root of a tooth. The crown is a durable replacement for the top chewing portion of the tooth. An abutment connects the two pieces. Dental implants are incredibly versatile and can replace any number of missing teeth. Dental bridges can be set on implants to replace multiple teeth without a separate post for each one, making the procedure more affordable and less invasive. Unfortunately, not every case is a perfect match for dental implants. Our advanced 3D imaging can create detailed, precise scans of your bone structure, so we’ll be able to guide you through what you can realistically expect from dental implant surgery. Dental implants cost a little more than other alternatives up front, but they’re considered a truly permanent option, meaning there will be less upkeep in the future. They’re also the best way to restore natural-looking beauty and complete function to your teeth!
REMOVABLE APPLIANCES
Removable Appliances such as full and partial dentures are generally an inexpensive way to replace missing teeth. However, they can’t withstand normal biting forces, meaning your food choices will be limited. Traditional dentures can slip, shift, and fall out. Over time, they also allow the bony ridge of your jaw to shrink, meaning they will become loose and need modification and replacement, making their lifetime cost higher than the initial investment. While they’re a good option for some cases, old-fashioned dentures leave a lot to be desired for many patients.
WE'RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY
While those are three of the main methods for replacing missing teeth, the specific applications to your case may vary widely. For example, patients missing all their teeth who want removable dentures may be good candidates for implant-supported dentures. This option gives added stability and better functionality to your removable appliance with just a few implant posts.
Your dental team here at Anderson Family Dental will be with you every step of the way when building a tooth replacement plan that suits your needs, your budget, and your lifestyle. We’ll help you fully understand what options will give you the best outcomes, and help you build realistic expectations for your new smile. You deserve a full set of strong, functional teeth and a smile you’ll feel proud to show off! Call us to schedule your dental implant consultation in Winter Park, FL and take the first steps on your journey to rebuilding your oral health and restoring your confidence.