According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 69% of adults over the age of 35 have lost one or more permanent teeth. In order to ensure a healthy and attractive smile, you need to have these missing teeth restored. How do you replace missing teeth? What happens if you don’t address tooth loss?

Frequently Asked Questions About Replacement Teeth

Question: What causes tooth loss?

Answer: Tooth loss can occur due to a number of different factors. For example, should a tooth become cracked or chipped, or should you not take proper care of your teeth, decay and eventually infection can form. Without treatment, an infection can cause the tooth to become lost or require extraction. In addition, you knock a tooth out due to an injury. Periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, can also cause adult teeth to become lost.

Question: Why do I need replacement teeth?

Answer: Without replacement, tooth loss can cause misalignment to develop, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. In addition, losing several teeth can impact your ability to communicate clearly or eat solid foods. Finally, once the body registers your missing tooth roots and stops supplying the surrounding jawbone with calcium and phosphorus, the jawbone can dissolve and eventually lead to facial collapse, which causes a significantly older appearance.

Question: How do dental implants work?

Answer: Implants are inserted directly into the jaw, bonding with the jaw and acting like a natural root. The process also stimulates jawbone growth, preventing facial collapse. After the placement area heals, we add an abutment that holds a restoration in place, completing the new tooth. We can place a single implant or several to secure a bridge or fixed denture.

Question: What are my other tooth replacement options?

Answer: We can also discuss dental bridge placement or dentures (both full and partial). The option we recommend will depend on the state of your oral health, the amount of healthy jawbone tissue you have, and whether you have periodontitis or not. If you have any questions about tooth loss or your tooth replacement options, then please contact our office today.