If you are missing one or more teeth, it is important to visit your dentist near you to find the best tooth replacement options for your needs. Missing teeth are one of the common dental concerns we treat every day.
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a wide range of tooth replacement options to suit your every need. Dr. Victor Gittleman takes a comprehensive approach to your treatment planning to ensure your treatment is right for you. We invite you to visit our Morristown, NJ dentist office to explore your tooth replacement options.
Why Should I Replace My Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. Even one missing tooth can affect the way to chew, speak, and eat. not only does replacing missing teeth improve the appearance of your smile, but it also helps restore function and balance to your teeth.
Causes of Missing Teeth
As we age, it is normal to lose our baby teeth in order to make room for our adult teeth. What is not normal, however, is the loss of permanent teeth. Once we develop our permanent teeth it is crucial to develop and maintain healthy oral health habits to keep them in optimal health and function.
Taking proper care of your teeth and gums can reduce your risk of premature tooth loss. Visiting our Morristown dentist office near you regularly for routine dental exams and cleaning is a great way to protect your smile.
Common causes for premature tooth loss include:
- Gum Disease: Did you know gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss? Maintaining a proper oral hygiene routine, visiting our office regularly, and quitting smoking are key to avoiding gum disease. When gum disease is left untreated, it can result in bone and tooth loss. Taking a proactive approach to your gum health can help you avoid complications in the future.
- Dental Trauma: Blows or injuries to the teeth and mouth can easily result in tooth loss. We recommend a custom mouthguard for all patients who play contact sports. A custom mouthguard is designed to protect the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues in your mouth from injury.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth that are not properly removed. When left untreated, tooth decay can result in tooth loss. Regular professional dental cleanings and excellent oral hygiene are key to preventing tooth decay.
The Treatment Options For Missing Teeth
At Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Gittleman works with patients on an individual basis to assess their needs and recommend the best solution for their smile.
We use advanced dental technology to assess the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw. With the results from our diagnostic testing, we determine which tooth replacement options are right for you. The treatment you receive may also depend on the location of missing teeth, the number of missing teeth, and your overall dental health.
Treatment options may include:
Dental Implants
Implants are small titanium posts that serve as a replacement tooth roots when teeth go missing. Your dentist will need to surgically place the implant post into the healthy jaw bone, where it will fuse to the bone. This provides a sturdy foundation for a replacement tooth. Several implant posts can be used to replace multiple missing teeth.
A dental crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant or several implants to replace the crown portion of the missing teeth. Dental implants are the most effective way to replace teeth because they function much like natural teeth. They also help preserve the jaw bone and maintain the natural structure of the face. To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, see Dental Implants.
Dental Bridge
Dr. Gittleman may recommend a dental bridge to place one or more missing teeth. The bridgework is made up of crowns and pontics, the false teeth that replace the missing teeth. Your dentist will anchor the crown portion of the bridge to teeth that are adjacent to the gap. These anchor teeth, called abutment teeth, will need to be prepared and reduced in size.
Dental bridges have been used for many years to replace teeth. They are cost-effective when compared to dental implants. We will create a bridge to replace your teeth and ensure that it is functional and that it blends in naturally with your surrounding teeth. To maintain your bridge, you must practice good oral hygiene. To learn more about the dental bridge process, see Dental Bridge.
Dentures
A denture is a removable dental restoration that replaces missing teeth. They help restore oral function and the appearance of smiles. There are two types of dentures, complete dentures and partial dentures. Both types of dentures are custom-made in a dental lab from impressions that we will take of your mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit and a natural-looking appearance.
Dr. Gittleman will suggest complete dentures if you are missing a whole row of teeth on the top or bottom arch. They rest on the gums and rely on suction and a precision fit to remain in place.
You may need partial dentures if you are only missing a few teeth on the top or bottom arch. A partial includes a metal framework that attaches to some of the natural remaining teeth to stability. Partials help fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. To learn more about the benefits of dentures, see Partials and Dentures.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Losing teeth can be distressing and will affect your life in many ways. Gaps along your arch will affect your smile, ability to speak and chew, and oral health. Our frequently asked questions section about missing teeth will help you explore your replacement options and help you learn more about the importance of replacing your teeth. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our Morristown, NJ dentist office.
Is it bad to have missing teeth?
A missing tooth can open up many negative opportunities for your mouth. Even a single missing tooth can cause dental issues such as teeth shifting around the open space, gum disease, and more. Your mouth is at risk no matter how well you take care of your teeth after losing a tooth.
Can I get a denture for one tooth?
Yes. You can get a denture for a single tooth. This type of denture is called a partial denture. Partial dentures are removable and can replace several missing teeth located in any position of your mouth.
Can you get a bridge for 2 missing teeth?
Yes. A dental bridge can be used to replace between one to four teeth that would sit next to each other. Dental bridges are a great option for those not able to commit to more permanent restoration, such as dental implants.
Are dentures a good option to replace teeth?
Dentures are a great option to replace any number of missing teeth. They will help restore the function and appearance of your smile. Obtaining removable dentures is an easy and fast process. They are more cost-effective than dental implants. The downside to dentures is it may be hard to adjust to having them in your mouth at first, especially if they do not fit properly. Dentures can also slip around in your mouth, making it difficult to eat and speak. A better solution is to secure the denture with dental implants.
Can missing teeth affect my overall health?
Missing teeth can indeed have a significant impact on your overall health. The gaps in your arch, whether on the top or bottom, can make chewing food efficiently a challenge, leading to potential nutrition and digestion problems. Moreover, the absence of teeth can gradually lead to bone loss in the jaw and misalignment of the remaining teeth, which can further escalate into various oral health issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to find a suitable method to replace them as soon as possible.
Can I replace multiple teeth at one time?
Dr. Gittleman can replace multiple teeth at once. He offers various methods, such as dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges, to replace several teeth at once time. Dental implants involve an invasive surgery to place the implant posts. However, dentures and dental bridges do not. The treatment time for implants is also much longer, lasting several months. You can have new teeth with a denture or dental bridge in less than a month. You must consult your dentist to determine the best multiple teeth replacement treatment.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of replacing teeth?
Understanding your dental insurance policy is key. While most plans do offer some coverage for missing teeth, the extent of this coverage can vary significantly. It’s common for insurance to provide partial coverage for dental bridges and dentures, but teeth implants are less likely to be covered. Each patient’s coverage and specific stipulations are unique, so it’s essential to consult with your provider to get a clear understanding of your policy and plan your dental treatment accordingly.
Can missing teeth cause gum disease?
Anyone with missing teeth has an increased risk of gum disease. If you have a gap left by missing teeth, food and debris can build up which will attract bacteria and plaque formation. The gums can easily develop an infection and become inflamed. Also, failing to replace teeth will lead to teeth shifting. Unaligned teeth are harder to clean effectively, further increasing your risk for periodontal disease.
Replacing Missing Teeth Near You
Are you missing one or more teeth, explore your tooth replacement options at Morristown Cosmetic Dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call (973) 287-3337 or request an appointment online.