Even one missing tooth can lead to complex dental problems and have a detrimental effect on your overall oral health and daily life. When a tooth is lost, a chain reaction is set into motion. Jaw bone in the area of the lost tooth begins to shrink and affect the bite, periodontal disease can take hold. The remaining teeth can shift due to the void in your jaw. All of this can also lead to a prematurely aged appearance and affect your professional and social interactions. Dr. Jason Baldwin offers options for replacing missing teeth in Truckee, CA.
He works with patients on an individual basis to choose the best solution for their needs, goals, and budget. Replacing missing teeth will restore your dental health and your confidence!
Missing Teeth Treatment in Truckee, CA
During a consultation, Dr. Baldwin will thoroughly assess your dental health and discuss your cosmetic goals to determine the treatment option(s) most suitable for you. The treatment recommended for you will depend on your overall dental health, sufficient jaw bone, and your long-term goals.
Dentures
For patients missing all of their upper or lower arch of teeth, Dr. Baldwin offers cosmetic dentures for a natural-looking smile. Traditional dentures are removable, affordable, and can be completed in about three weeks. Dentures can also be secured using dental implants.
Implants provide a permanent solution that provides superior patient satisfaction and lasting results. Implant dentures may cost more than removable dentures but offer a better quality of life.
Dental Implants
We may recommend dental implants to replace one missing tooth, several missing teeth, or all of your teeth. Dental implants provide the most natural-looking and functioning tooth replacement. Implants are the more superior option because they are more stable and actually replace the missing tooth root.
For a single missing tooth, we will recommend an implant-supported dental crown. For an entire missing arch, we will recommend implant-supported dentures. If you have several consecutive missing teeth, we will recommend an implant-supported bridge.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can replace one or several teeth and is secured by dental implants or by natural teeth that are strengthened by dental crowns. A traditional fixed bridge involves reducing the adjacent teeth to accommodate the crowns. You are essentially damaging healthy teeth to replace one or two missing teeth. Implants will only replace the teeth that are missing, leaving your healthy natural teeth intact.
Tooth Extractions
If deemed necessary for your overall dental health, Dr. Baldwin may recommend a tooth extraction. This may be because the tooth is too damaged or decayed to restore. Every effort will be made to save the tooth before resorting to an extraction.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Discover more about missing teeth in Truckee, CA, with answers to these common questions:
Will missing and lost teeth affect my appearance?
Yes, missing teeth can have a big impact on the appearance of your smile. When teeth are missing, it can create noticeable gaps that may make some people feel self-conscious. This can affect how you feel about showing your teeth, especially when smiling, talking, or laughing. Many people with missing teeth may try to hide their smile because they feel embarrassed or less confident about their appearance.
In addition to affecting the smile, missing teeth can also change the shape of your face over time. The bone that once supported your teeth can begin to shrink, which can lead to a sunken or hollow look in your cheeks and jaw.
Will leaving missing teeth alone affect my oral health?
Leaving missing teeth untreated can have several negative effects on your oral health. When you lose a tooth, the area where the tooth used to be can become vulnerable to problems like gum disease, infection, and even more tooth loss. The gap left behind can make it harder to properly clean your teeth and gums, which increases the risk of infection.
Another issue is that when a tooth is missing, the bone that once supported the tooth starts to weaken and shrink over time. This process is called bone loss, and it can cause changes in the shape of your mouth and face, making it look sunken or less full. Bone loss can also make it harder to replace the missing tooth with dental implants, as there may not be enough bone left to support the implant.
Missing teeth can also affect how your bite works. When teeth are missing, the remaining teeth may shift out of place, which can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and even lead to discomfort in your jaw. In some cases, these changes in your bite can contribute to TMJ disorder, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty moving the jaw.
Does having missing teeth affect my mouth’s function?
Yes, missing teeth can affect how your mouth functions in several ways. One of the most common issues is difficulty chewing. When teeth are missing, it can be harder to break down food properly, making eating uncomfortable or even painful. This can also lead to people avoiding certain foods, which may affect nutrition. For some, it can be embarrassing to chew in public, especially if they feel self-conscious about their missing teeth.
Missing teeth can also impact your ability to speak clearly. Teeth play an important role in how we pronounce certain words and sounds. If you’re missing teeth, particularly in the front of your mouth, you may find it harder to say certain words, or your speech may sound unclear.
Schedule A Dental Exam
The first step in restoring your functional smile is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baldwin. Call one of our dentist offices or request an appointment online. Dr. Baldwin welcomes and works with patients who are suffering from poor dental health due to a fear of the dentist.
He offers relaxation and sedation options in a calm office setting. Dr. Baldwin is here to put you at ease as you receive the dentistry you need for a beautiful, comfortable and healthy smile.