Here’s a bit of good news for people with missing teeth: advances in modern dentistry have opened new and better possibilities for replacing teeth with long lasting, natural-looking restorations. Missing teeth are one of the dental concerns that our office treats in New Bern, NC, every day. Dr. Stephen Hoard is one of the most sought after restorative dentists in North Carolina for the replacement of missing teeth. Dr. Hoard works with a team of specialists to ensure you look and feel great.
Which Treatment is Best for Replacing Missing Teeth?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for anything in dentistry, especially missing teeth. More treatment options means better choice for patients to find the solution that fits their health needs, aesthetic goals and budget.
The primary options for replacing missing teeth are:
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an affordable treatment option for replacing missing teeth. The bridge can be either removable, sometimes called a flipper tooth, or fixed. A fixed bridge is anchored either with dental crowns and/or dental implants.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a more permanent solution for missing teeth. The implant actually replaces the root of the tooth, becoming fully integrated with the bone. While dental implants to require a more significant investment initially, they have increased longevity compared to a dental bridge and require less care and maintenance.
Not all patients will qualify for dental implants. The location of the missing tooth as well as the overall health of the patient and bone structure will be evaluated before the dentist recommends treatment.
Dentures
A denture is used when a person is missing all of their upper or lower teeth. Advances in materials make today’s cosmetic dentures more natural-looking and comfortable than previous restorations.
All-on-Four Dental Implants
All on Four is an innovative dental implant solution for patients with missing teeth. Dr. Hoard can use as few as four dental implants to attach an overdenture for a stable and long-lasting restoration. The improvement in the fit, look, and stability helps improve the quality of life and long-term dental health for edentulous patients.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Below, we’ll answer common questions about missing teeth in New Bern, NC:
Can I replace all my missing teeth?
Yes, you can replace all your missing teeth. We provide implant dentures that use dental implants to hold the denture in place. These feel more secure and work more like real teeth. We can also use as few as four implants to secure a tooth arch called All-on-Four.
Do I need bone grafting if I have missing teeth?
You might need bone grafting if you’ve been missing them for a long time. When a tooth is gone, the bone in that area can shrink or get weak over time. If the bone isn’t strong enough, it can’t hold a dental implant.
Bone grafting adds new bone to the area to make it stronger. This helps support a dental implant and keeps your jaw healthy. Your dentist will take X-rays to check the bone and see if grafting is needed.
Not everyone needs bone grafting, but it’s an important step for some people to get a full and lasting smile.
Will my remaining teeth shift if I don’t replace the missing ones?
Yes, your remaining teeth can shift if you don’t replace a missing tooth. Teeth like to stay in place, but when one is lost, the teeth around it may start to move into the empty space. This can cause your bite to change, make it harder to chew, and even lead to crooked teeth.
Over time, shifting teeth can also create more spaces where food and bacteria get stuck, which increases your risk for cavities and gum disease. Replacing missing teeth helps keep your smile healthy and your bite working properly.
Why do missing teeth change my face shape?
Missing teeth can change your face shape because your teeth help support your cheeks and lips. When you lose teeth, your jawbone can start to shrink over time. This happens because the bone no longer has the pressure from chewing to keep it strong. As the bone shrinks, your cheeks may look sunken, and your face might appear older or less full.
Teeth also help keep everything in place. Without them, your bite can change, and your mouth may look different when you smile or talk. Replacing missing teeth with implants, bridges, or dentures can help keep your face looking natural and healthy.
Can I still replace missing teeth if I have gum disease?
Yes, but you need to treat gum disease first. Dr. Hoard will work with you to remove harmful bacteria from your mouth. He can recommend deep gum cleaning treatment and at-home care to keep gum disease in check. Then you can begin treatment.
Can a missing tooth lead to more dental problems in the future?
When a tooth is missing, the teeth next to the gap may start to shift or move out of place. This can cause problems with your bite and make it harder to chew properly. Also, the jawbone where the tooth was can start to shrink because it’s not being used anymore. This can make your face look different and weaken your other teeth. Missing teeth can also make it easier for food to get stuck, which can lead to gum disease and cavities. That’s why it’s important to replace missing teeth to keep your mouth healthy.
Can I get dental implants even if I’ve been missing teeth for years?
Yes, but if a tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone in that area might have shrunk or become weaker. This can make it harder to place implants right away. In those cases, our dentist might suggest a bone graft to help build up the bone before putting in the implants.
Do missing teeth make it harder to chew certain foods?
When you don’t have all your teeth, it can be tough to bite and chew things like tough meats, crunchy vegetables, or sticky foods. Missing teeth can also cause your other teeth to work harder, which might make chewing feel uncomfortable or uneven. Replacing missing teeth can help you chew better and enjoy your favorite foods again.
Request an Appointment
Did you just knock out a tooth? Have you lost teeth to tooth decay? You can replace missing teeth in New Bern, NC, today. Call (252) 507-0373 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Hoard online.