If you’re not planning on restoring your smile, you run the risk of jawbone deterioration and teeth crowding inwards to fill gaps. Our Grand Rapids, MI, dentist urges all patients with missing teeth to take action and choose one of the tooth replacement options that we offer at MI Roots Family Dental. We’re happy to sit down with you one-on-one to discuss what would work best and answer any questions you may have.
In the meantime, here are a few .
What Happens When You Have Missing Teeth?
Even a single missing tooth can set off a chain reaction within your mouth. Teeth work together to maintain proper alignment, and when one is lost, neighboring teeth may begin to shift. This misalignment can lead to an uneven bite, jaw discomfort, and even the need for TMJ disorder treatment. Over time, the absence of a tooth can also cause bone loss in the jaw, as the stimulation provided by a tooth root is no longer present. This bone loss can alter the shape of the face, giving it a sunken appearance and prematurely aging one’s look.
Beyond aesthetics and oral health, missing teeth can make everyday activities like chewing and speaking more challenging. Overcompensating for the gaps may strain remaining teeth and lead to additional wear and tear. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants or something more traditional isn’t just about appearance, it’s about maintaining function and preserving the health of your mouth and jaw for years to come.
1. Dental Implants (One or Multiple)
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots commonly made of titanium that once topped with a dental crown, closely resemble natural teeth. In fact, implants blend in so seamlessly with the rest of your smile that most people will not even be able to tell you’ve had one (or a few) placed.
Shaped like small metal screws, tooth implants are permanently embedded into your jawbone for long-term stability. That means they’re fixed in place and will not move while you eat, speak, and smile. No adhesives or adjustments are required.
After dental implant placement, you will need time to heal and allow for the implant to properly fuse with your jawbone. On average, the healing process takes a few months but every patient is different and our local dental implant dentist can discuss your individual situation with you.
Once fully fused and healed, the abutment, or connector piece, is placed and the crown is applied on top of that to complete the restoration.
2. Removable Dentures
Whether all of your teeth are missing or you don’t want to commit to the dental implant process, our dentist can recommend a form of to you. Both full and partial dentures are custom-made and involve false teeth attached to a gum-colored base that rests on top of your gum line.
Patients with many teeth gone (full arch) are better suited for full dentures whereas those missing only one or two teeth will benefit more from partial dentures. Our dentist can perform a thorough dental exam and speak with you about what works for your smile.
Unlike dental implants, dentures will take some time to get used to after they’re in place. You may notice excess saliva, a bulky or loose feeling, and a sensation that your tongue does not have enough room. All of this is normal and will dissipate after a few weeks of regular wear. If fit issues continue, our dentist would be happy to make adjustments for you.
3. A Dental Bridge
You can think of a dental bridge as just that, a bridge. This permanent, non-removable form of tooth restoration often consists of one false, or pontic, tooth placed in the middle of two adjacent dental crowns. The false tooth is meant to rest on your gums while the crowns fit over two supporting abutment teeth.
The is the preparation of the abutment teeth. Our dentist will need to remove a small portion of enamel from these teeth so that the incoming crowns have room to properly fit on top. A temporary bridge will then be placed for protection until the final version is fabricated and ready for application.
If you’re looking to close a gap in your smile, a fixed dental bridge is a great way to do just that. It’s durable, long-lasting, and is natural-looking so others will not suspect you have a dental bridge.
Give Our Office a Call Today
Ready to talk about tooth replacement? Our dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, can walk you through several options, depending on your preferences and number of teeth missing. Call MI Roots Family Dental today at (616) 453-0002 or contact us online to request an appointment.