Modern dentistry provides innovative solutions for replacing missing teeth. Dentists can use dental implants to replace missing teeth with long-lasting, comfortable, and stable results. Replacing missing teeth is essential for protecting your bite and smile from further damage or oral disease. Missing teeth are both a cosmetic and restorative dental concern. We recommend addressing missing teeth in our Rogers, AR, to restore your smile.
Dr. Heather Adams is a general dentist trained in implant dentistry and restorative procedures. She aims to provide the most natural options for replacing missing teeth. Dr. Adams uses implant dentistry to help patients restore their smiles after tooth loss. Dental implant-supported restorations offer improved function and aesthetics with stable, secure results.
The Health Risks of Missing Teeth in Rogers, AR
Left untreated, missing teeth may become a risk to your overall health. They increase your risk of secondary dental and systemic health concerns. The missing tooth root leaves space in the jaw bone, weakening the stability of the bite.
Over time, the bone tissues begin to break down. This can cause facial sagging and bone loss. Your teeth are more likely to shift, become loose, or even fall out.
Patients with even one missing tooth are more prone to developing:
- Gum disease
- Additional tooth loss
- Bone loss
- Facial sagging
- Cardiovascular disease
You are more at risk of developing dental or health problems if you do not receive treatment for a missing tooth. This is especially true if you lose a tooth because of tooth decay or gum disease. Infection can spread throughout the mouth and infect other teeth. Inflammation from problems like gum disease can spread to the heart, leading to increased heart problems.
Missing teeth also affect facial appearance. Once you lose a tooth, it only takes several months before you lose your natural jawbone. Without support from the tooth roots, the natural bone recedes. Jawbone loss can lead to facial sagging, making you look older.
Replace Your Missing Teeth in Rogers, AR
Restoring missing teeth can help you enjoy a more confident and beautiful smile. Modern dental restorations are custom-designed to match the color of your adjacent teeth. The restorations are molded to enhance your natural smile and will function and look just like your real teeth. Dental implants, bridges, and dentures restore gaps in teeth for a balanced result.
Learn more about each option we provide in our office:
Dental Implants
A single dental implant comprises a titanium post, abutment, and dental crown. Implants can also secure dental bridges or dentures to replace multiple teeth or even whole arches of teeth. A metal implant post acts as an artificial tooth root for security and durability.
An oral surgeon places the titanium posts into the jaw bone during implant treatment. After three to six months of healing, the implants are covered with dental restorations to blend in with natural teeth. Whether you receive a crown, bridge, or denture, your new teeth will match the shape and shade of natural teeth.
Dental Bridges
A bridge closes the gap left by one or more consecutive missing teeth. Dental bridges are removable or secured with dental implants.
However, secured dental bridges provide more stability and last longer than removable bridges. Dental bridges are made of a metal framework covered by porcelain. Traditional bridges use other teeth for support. However, this treatment requires reducing natural teeth. Instead, we can use implants to secure bridges at the root, eliminating the need for tooth preparation.
Full and Partial Dentures
Traditional dentures lay on the gums and use support from adhesives. However, false teeth on the gums make eating or speaking difficult.
Our office prefers implants to secure dentures. Implant dentures use dentures attached to and supported by dental implants. Patients with multiple missing teeth in different parts of their mouth can benefit from partial dentures. Partials are crafted from acrylic or metal. They either use support from implants or hook onto remaining natural teeth.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Learn more about missing teeth in Rogers, AR, with answers to these common questions:
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, untreated gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. Your gums are responsible for helping your teeth remain in place and acting as a barrier from harmful bacteria. If you develop gum disease, your gums will break down and pull away from your teeth.
Harmful bacteria also cause infections that affect the soft tissue and underlying bone. Eventually, your teeth will loosen and may fall out or require extraction.
Should I replace a row of missing teeth with dentures or dental implants?
Implant-supported dentures are the most natural and durable way to replace a row of missing teeth. Using dental implants to secure the denture will make it more durable and function almost as well as natural teeth.
This will allow you to eat a greater variety of food. It will also eliminate the possibility of the denture falling out or shifting while you talk. Dental implants will help preserve your jawbone so you can restore mouth function.
What happens if I avoid replacing my missing teeth?
Missing teeth are not good for your health. A missing tooth can cause other teeth to shift out of place, causing bite problems. Additionally, missing teeth make it hard to bite and chew certain foods, including many healthy foods.
Missing teeth will lead to bone loss in your jaw, eventually altering your facial appearance. It can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and other diseases. If you have heart problems and develop a dental infection that leads to missing teeth, you can notice more complications.
Is tooth loss a natural part of aging?
Tooth loss is not an unavoidable part of aging. While it’s common for older adults to experience dental issues, losing teeth is usually due to gum disease, decay, or injury. With good oral hygiene and dental care, you can maintain healthy teeth throughout your life. Preventing tooth loss involves brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist regularly to catch and treat problems early.
Can missing teeth cause digestive problems?
Yes, missing teeth can cause digestive problems. When you lose teeth, it becomes harder to chew food properly, which is the first step in the digestive process. Poorly chewed food can lead to digestive issues like indigestion or nutrient absorption problems. Replacing missing teeth with options like dentures, bridges, or dental implants can help restore proper chewing function and support better digestion.
Can I get porcelain veneers for missing teeth?
You can’t get veneers to replace missing teeth, but you can use them to enhance the appearance of existing teeth. If you have missing teeth, we usually recommend other solutions like dental implants, bridges, or dentures to fill the gaps. Once the missing teeth are addressed, veneers can be applied to improve the look of your remaining teeth and create a more uniform, attractive smile.
Will replacing a missing tooth make my smile look natural?
Yes, modern tooth replacement options, like dental implants, bridges, and dentures, are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. We use materials that match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth. Your tooth replacement will look like it belongs in your smile.
How do I know which tooth replacement option is right for me?
Choosing the right tooth replacement option depends on your needs, goals, and oral health. Start by visiting Dr. Adams for an evaluation. She will check the health of your gums, jawbone, and surrounding teeth to see which options are suitable for you.
Dr. Adams will also talk to you about cost, how long each option lasts, and how much maintenance each option needs.. Together, you can decide which tooth replacement option works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Restore Your Lost Teeth
A highly trained cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Adams creates seamless and stable smiles. If you live in the Rogers or Bentonville, AR area, contact the office of Dr. Heather Adams at (479) 431-4212. You can also schedule a consultation online today.
Feel free to ask us any questions about your treatment options or symptoms. We’re here to help you replace missing teeth in our Rogers, AR office.