At Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery, we understand that losing a tooth, whether due to trauma, disease, or decay, can be a concerning experience. It’s important to have a plan in place to address missing teeth, as they can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Christopher Chan, our board-certified oral surgeon, will assess your need for dental implants after an extraction or discuss alternative options to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
What Are the Consequences of Not Replacing Missing Teeth?
Ignoring missing teeth can lead to a number of complications that affect both your physical and mental health. Some of the consequences of not replacing missing teeth include:
- Bone Loss: The jawbone needs stimulation from teeth to stay strong. Without it, the bone can deteriorate, potentially changing the shape of your face and impacting your oral health.
- Loss of Function: Missing teeth can make it difficult to bite and chew properly, limiting your ability to enjoy certain foods and maintain a balanced diet.
- Shifting Teeth: Gaps left by missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place, affecting your bite and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Reduced Self-Confidence: Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, impacting your social interactions and overall quality of life.
What Tooth Replacement Options Are Available?
There are several options for replacing missing teeth, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Bridges: Bridges are a common solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. They are attached to the surrounding teeth for support and can be a good option for some patients. The adjacent teeth need to be shaved down to support the gap. It is also difficult to floss under a bridge.
- Partial or Full Dentures: Dentures are removable appliances that can replace multiple missing teeth. While they can be a cost-effective solution, they may require adjustments over time and can sometimes feel less stable than other options.
- Dental Implants: Dental implants are the most advanced and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. They are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a stable foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. No adjacent teeth are affected during placement of a dental implant.
Unlike bridges and dentures that may need to be replaced every few years, dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss. Because they are affixed to the jaw bone, this provides stability and helps reduce the risk of bone loss and shifting of other teeth. With bridges, surrounding teeth often need to be trimmed and shaped to place the crown, but dental implants are molded to fit between existing teeth without damaging them.
Replacing Missing Teeth After Extraction
Dr. Chan will work with you to determine the best tooth replacement option after tooth extraction based on your individual needs and preferences. Contact Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards restoring your smile.
