Whether you have always had a missing tooth, are preparing to have a tooth removed or need to know what to do after losing one due to injury, chances are good that you have some questions. A missing tooth is a fairly common issue, and staying informed can help with formulating a plan to resolve the situation and return to normal.
According to the American College of Prosthodontics, there are three common causes of missing teeth.
Sometimes, people are born with some of their teeth missing. When the missing teeth are due to genetics, the trait is usually seen in multiple family members. It is possible to be born without any particular tooth due to genetics, but this condition more commonly affects certain teeth:
Often, tooth decay starts with a cavity. When a dental cavity is not treated quickly, bacteria continue to eat their way deeper into the tooth. A very decayed tooth can sometimes be effectively treated with a root canal. In severe cases, the tooth may be too decayed to save, and the entire tooth will need to be removed.
A missing tooth can sometimes be caused by gum disease. Gum disease makes the bone in the jaw deteriorate. When that deterioration is significant, it can result in tooth loss.
A missing tooth often impacts someone's smile. Even if the missing tooth is farther back in the mouth, it may cause issues with chewing or even with facial structure. The American Dental Association recommends three procedures for replacing missing teeth.
Placing an implant is usually a multistep surgical procedure, but the end result is the most similar to a natural tooth. First, a metal rod (usually titanium) is placed in the jaw. It acts as a replacement tooth root. Then a crown is attached. These artificial teeth are made to match the other teeth in a patient’s mouth.
This solution also takes multiple steps. It uses two existing teeth to support a replacement tooth. A dentist or oral surgeon prepares two teeth on either side of the missing tooth, which usually involves shaping them to support crowns. The crowns are placed over the prepared teeth, and then an artificial tooth, called a pontic, is fused to both. This solution helps patients avoid having an implant placed.
These dentures are typically made of high-quality plastic. They clip onto existing teeth, and they can be removed for cleaning. Usually, dentists recommend that patients do not wear removable partial dentures all day; they are often taken out when patients go to sleep and then replaced in the morning.
Dealing with a missing tooth can be challenging, but a dental professional can help patients decide on the appropriate course of treatment. A quality replacement tooth allows patients to quickly regain a natural, beautiful smile.
Request an appointment here: https://www.oaktreefamilydental.com or call Oak Tree Dental at (703) 763-5239 for an appointment in our McLean office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
A missing tooth due to an accident or gum disease can lead to embarrassment and oral health challenges. A partial denture for one missing tooth is an excellent option for anyone who wants a fast and affordable way to fill a gap between teeth. Unfortunately, misinformation about partial dentures can prevent dental patients from making…
While it might not seem that common, receiving a partial denture for one missing tooth is a solution that is well-known among dental professionals. According to the American Dental Association, the average person between 20 and 64 years of age has three or more missing teeth. This can happen for reasons such as serious decay,…
Partial dentures are one of the most cost-friendly and effective options for replacing missing teeth. They can either be removable or fixed dentures. This is a guide on what partial dentures are, their benefits, and how to care for them.Partial dentures, commonly known as partials, are artificial replacement teeth that replace a patient's missing teeth.…
Implant supported dentures combine traditional dentures with permanent dental implants to provide a stable and secure tooth restoration option. Unlike traditional removable dentures, this option is supported by two or more dental implants rather than your gum tissues. The additional stability of dental implants may make it simpler to bite and chew meals, particularly with…
A missing tooth due to an accident or gum disease can lead to embarrassment and oral health challenges. A partial denture for one missing tooth is an excellent option for anyone who wants a fast and affordable way to fill a gap between teeth. Unfortunately, misinformation about partial dentures can prevent dental patients from making…
While it might not seem that common, receiving a partial denture for one missing tooth is a solution that is well-known among dental professionals. According to the American Dental Association, the average person between 20 and 64 years of age has three or more missing teeth. This can happen for reasons such as serious decay,…