Missing Teeth Truckee, CA

Missing teeth, even “just one”, 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, and remaining teeth begin to 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 and 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 Options

During a consultation, Dr. Baldwin will perform a thorough assessment of 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 for a permanent solution that provides superior patient satisfaction and lasting results. Implant dentures are more expensive but offer a better quality of life.
  • Dental implants: Dental implants are recommended 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. For several consecutive missing teeth, we will recommend an implant-supported bridge.
  • Dental bridge: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

Will missing and lost teeth affect my appearance?

Missing teeth can affect the appearance of your smile. Patients who are missing teeth may suffer from a lack of confidence and tend to hide their teeth when smiling. At Perkins Dentistry we believe that every patient should have a smile they are proud of.

Will leaving missing teeth alone affect my oral health?

When patients are missing teeth they may have an increased risk of developing gum disease, infection, and further tooth loss. When a tooth falls out, the bone that supported the teeth begins to deteriorate. As the bone deteriorates, the face may lose volume and appear sunken. Missing teeth can also affect your bite, which can contribute to TMJ disorder.

Does having missing teeth affect my mouth’s function?

When you are missing teeth it can hinder your ability to chew, which can make eating uncomfortable and even embarrassing for some patients. Your ability to speak can also be affected by missing teeth. Certain words or sounds may become challenging to pronounce depending on the location of your missing teeth.

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 designed to put you at ease as you receive the dentistry you need for a beautiful, comfortable and healthy smile.