When a patient comes to our Timonium, MD dentist office with missing teeth, it is vital that we educate them on the importance of replacing their teeth. Additionally, we will take the time to explain all the available options. Missing teeth are not only embarrassing, but they will also affect your overall and oral health. Putting off treatment can:
- Impact your self-esteem
- Alter your speech
- Make it difficult to chew food
- Cause surrounding teeth to shift towards the gaps
- Increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- Lead to bone loss in the jaw
- Alter your bite
- Simply decrease your overall quality of life
Sometimes Tooth Extractions are Necessary
Dentists will do everything in their power to save natural teeth. However, there comes a point when removing the tooth is necessary to for the patient’s health. Damage to a tooth may be a result of decay, infection, or an injury. When a tooth becomes too damaged to save, it will have to be removed. The important thing to consider in this event is how you are going to replace the tooth.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options
Dr. Paul Karpovich offers several treatment options for patients suffering from missing teeth. He will explain everyone to you from the most affordable option to the most advanced solution. Replacing missing or damaged teeth is important for your health and overall well-being. The sooner treatment is sought, the better. Below is the list of treatments Dr. Karpovich offers for missing teeth in Timonium, MD:
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a fixed prosthesis that can replace one or two teeth. It is a single piece with the fake teeth (the pontics) and dental crowns are fused together. The crowns are located on each end of bridge. To prepare for the placement, your dentist will reduce the size of two adjacent teeth located on both sides of the gap. They will then cement the crowns to the adjacent teeth. This is a conservative option however, the underlying bone will begin to deteriorate and the bridge will eventually need replaced.
Dentures
An entire mouth of missing teeth is very bad for your oral health and can be replaced by a top and/or bottom denture. This is a popular dental prosthesis where the fake teeth are fused to a base made of acrylic and/or metal. It typically sits on the gums or uses suction to remain in place. While this is a great aesthetic solution for missing teeth, it comes with restrictions and costly maintenance. Since you won’t have full chewing force, you will need to eliminate many foods from your diet. Additionally, maintenance on them can be very expensive and you will have to replace them eventually.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most advanced solution for missing teeth. Not only do they replace the crowns of the teeth, but they also replace the teeth roots. This sophisticated solution involves placing little screw-like posts in the jawbone where they will fuse with the bone. Then a custom made dental prosthesis is attached to them. The dental prosthesis will be:
- A dental crown for one missing tooth
- A dental bridge for several consecutive missing teeth
- A denture for a whole arch of missing teeth
The downside is dental implants are very costly. However, they prevent bone loss in the jaw and won’t harm the remaining healthy teeth.
Schedule an Appointment for Missing Teeth in Timonium, MD
Dr. Karpovich is an experienced restorative dentist that treats missing teeth with several treatment options. Schedule your appointment today to learn which treatment is best for you. You can reach our helpful staff at (410) 221-3085. You can also request an appointment online by filling out this form. We look forward to meeting you and helping you meet your oral health goals.