Are you missing one or more of your teeth? Do you want to fill in the gaps in your smile? Patients with missing teeth are more likely to develop dental problems, including gum disease, which can affect your oral AND physical health. Gum disease can also cause tooth loss. Luckily, we can replace your missing teeth in Media, PA.
Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe provide patients with the option to receive a fuller smile with restorative treatments for missing teeth. They collaborate with patients to help them find the solution that works best for their smiles and personal preferences.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Even a single missing tooth can cause problems with your oral health. When you have a missing tooth, the teeth surrounding that area are more at risk for issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Your other teeth will then shift to try and make up for the loss. They’ll try to fill in the hole. If you’ve had previous work straightening your teeth, that could all become undone.
When you’re missing a tooth, your bite can change as well. This can lead to problems like TMJ disorders and broken teeth. Because the bite is uneven, the pressure of your bite isn’t distributed evenly throughout your teeth. This can lead them to wear unevenly and take on damage like chips or cracks.
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate, and the tooth has gone missing. Your whole mouth shifts. Even a tooth lost from the back of the mouth can change the shape of your face. The area where the tooth is missing starts to droop and sag, leading to an aging appearance.
Treatments for Missing Teeth in Media, PA
There are several options for tooth replacement. Our Media, PA dentists will thoroughly examine your oral health as well as discuss your concerns and goals before recommending a plan of treatment.
Dental Implants
One of the most versatile and effective treatments for replacing one or more missing teeth is dental implants. Dr. Monroe is trained to provide implant services under one roof. Because dental implants replace the tooth at its root using a titanium post, they provide a stable foundation. Dr. Monroe offers single tooth implants as well as implant-supported bridgework and dentures.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are a great option for replacing one or more adjacent teeth. The dental bridge is secured to teeth adjacent to the tooth gap using either natural teeth topped with dental crowns or dental implants. This solution helps patients chew, speak, and eat normally as they had before their tooth loss.
Dentures and Partials
Full fixed dentures adhere to the gums with dental implants. They offer long-term benefits and require maintenance similar to natural teeth. Partial dentures are used when one or more natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. They are utilized to prevent remaining teeth from changing positions.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Discover more about missing teeth in our Media, PA, dental office with answers to these frequently asked questions:
What causes missing teeth?
Missing teeth can happen for several reasons, including:
- Tooth Decay
- Gum Disease
- Injury or Trauma
- Genetics
- Poor Oral Hygiene
- Teeth Grinding
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
No matter the cause of your missing teeth, we can help you restore the look and function of your smile.
What do I do if I have missing teeth?
Contact a dentist. You need a dental restoration if you have lost permanent teeth. No matter how you lose your teeth or if you are missing a single tooth or multiple teeth, it is important to receive professional dental care to restore your lost teeth. Receiving a professionally-made dental restoration to replace your missing teeth can renew your smile’s appearance, comfort, and function.
How long can I go with missing teeth?
Do not wait to replace one or more lost teeth. You can experience problems biting and chewing, dental infections, and pain from an imbalanced bite. If you are missing permanent teeth, you must receive a professional dental restoration as soon as possible.
What are my options for missing teeth?
Dental implants, dental bridges, and dentures can replace one or more missing teeth. We often recommend implant-supported dental restorations for patients with lost permanent teeth because dental implants act as replacement tooth roots.
Our office will recommend single dental implants capped with crowns if you are missing a single tooth. Dental bridges also replace single teeth or several consecutive teeth. Dentures replace rows of missing teeth or full upper and lower arches. All of our restorations can utilize dental implants.
Can you cover up missing teeth?
We can cover your missing teeth with temporary crowns while waiting for your permanent restoration. This way, you can go through everyday life without a gap in your smile. Temporary crowns are tooth-colored and can blend in with the appearance of adjacent teeth.
Do I need to replace a missing back tooth?
Yes, you need to replace missing teeth, even if they are in the back of the mouth. When you lose your back teeth, you also lose the comfort and function of your bite. Harmful bacteria can also collect in tooth gaps, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. All the problems that occur when you are missing a tooth in the front of your smile can occur with posterior teeth.
Can I eat normally with missing teeth?
You can still eat with missing teeth, but it might be difficult to chew some foods properly. When you have missing teeth, it can be hard to bite into crunchy foods like apples or chew tough meats. You might have to change your diet and stick to softer foods, like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies until you can replace the missing teeth.
Replacing your missing teeth with options like dental implants, bridges, or dentures can help you eat normally again and enjoy a wider variety of foods.
When can I replace my tooth after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, you usually need to wait about 3 to 6 months before replacing the tooth. This gives your gum and bone time to heal properly, making it stronger and ready for a replacement like a dental implant. However, some replacement options, like temporary dentures or bridges, can be added sooner if needed. But if you are getting implants, we will wait until the bone is healed fully.
Contact our Media, PA Dental Office
If you have any questions about the types of restorative dental treatments we offer in the office, we welcome you to schedule an appointment. Our dental care team will be happy to help you find the solutions you need. We’re here to help you replace missing teeth in Media, PA. Call us today at 610.566.0291 or request a dental appointment with us online.