Our Timonium, MD, dentist office treats patients with missing teeth. Whenever patients with missing teeth visit our office, we educate them on restoring their smiles. 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 restorative treatment can:
- Impact your self-esteem
- Alter your speech
- Make it difficult to chew food
- Cause surrounding teeth to shift toward 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. A dentist may recommend a dental filling, root canal, or crown to address an injured or damaged tooth. However, there comes a point when removing the tooth is necessary 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 must be removed. The important thing to consider in this event is how you will replace the tooth.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options in Timonium, MD
Dr. Paul Karpovich offers several treatment options for patients suffering from missing teeth. He will explain every option 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 more teeth in a row. It is a single piece with fake teeth (the pontics), and dental crowns are fused together. The crowns are located on each end of the bridge for support.
To prepare for the placement, your dentist will reduce the size of the two teeth on either side of the tooth gap. Then, they will cement the crowns to the adjacent teeth. A dental bridge can be a conservative restorative option for many patients. However, dental bridges lay on the gums and only use adjacent teeth to stay in place. Without complete support, the underlying bone will deteriorate, and the bridge will eventually need replacement.
Dentures
An entire mouth of missing teeth is bad for oral health. We recommend a complete denture to replace the top and bottom tooth arches. A partial denture replaces teeth in different parts of the mouth.
Dentures are a popular dental prosthesis where the fake teeth are fused to a base made of acrylic or metal. The denture sits on the gums or uses suction to remain in place.
While this is a great aesthetic solution for missing teeth, it has restrictions and costly maintenance. Since you won’t have full chewing force, you must eliminate many foods from your diet. Additionally, maintenance on dentures can be very expensive. Eventually, you will have to replace your dentures.
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. Over three to six months, the implant posts integrate with the bone. Then, a dentist attaches a custom-made dental prosthesis to the implant abutment or connective piece.
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 who treats missing teeth with several options. Schedule your appointment today to learn which treatment is best for you. You can reach our helpful staff at (410) 221-3085. Feel free to request an appointment online by filling out this form. We look forward to meeting you and helping you meet your oral health goals.