Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley of Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Virginia Beach address various dental concerns, including missing teeth. Whether your teeth are missing because of an injury or accident, gum disease, tooth decay, age, or other reasons, Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley offer a wide range of natural-looking replacement options.
We offer free consultations for patients with tooth loss so that they can explore the various options available without worry!
Why Should I Replace my Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is very important, and the quicker you do so, the better it will be for your health. Tooth loss can create a range of problems for patients, from emotional and social concerns to even severe medical conditions. Once you lose a tooth, your jaw bone begins to deteriorate. Unfortunately, it will continue to worsen without treatment and make replacement options more and more expensive.
It can also potentially cause TMJ disorders because your teeth may shift, causing your bite alignment to be off. The teeth next to the gap may start to shift in order to fill in the space left by the missing tooth. This can lead to gum disease and gum recession.
Missing teeth can cause gum disease by creating pockets in the gums around the affected area. Bacteria, plaque and tartar can accumulate in the pockets leading to a gum infection that can spread to the surrounding teeth. The infection can cause inflammation, redness and bleeding of the gums. If you do not address it in time, it may lead to a more serious case of periodontal disease. For these reasons, you should replace your missing and lost teeth as quickly as possible.
Missing teeth can also make it difficult to eat certain foods. Having our dentist replace your missing teeth can give you the chance to enjoy all kinds of foods that you may have been missing. Replacing lost teeth can also help you improve your speech so that you can speak with greater ease and clarity. Having a complete and healthy smile can also boost your self-confidence and improve the overall quality of your life.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options in Our Dental Office
We provide a variety of restorative dentistry treatments to help you replace your missing tooth or teeth. Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley will perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your specific case and make recommendations for the best long-term results.
Our goal is to restore your mouth to its natural function, best state of health and aesthetics. We will determine the treatment you will need by how many teeth you are missing, the location of the missing teeth, and the status of your overall health. We offer the following treatments at our Virginia Beach dental office.
Implant-supported Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that fits over an existing damaged or decayed tooth to help strengthen and protect it. An implant-supported dental crown is a type of crown that a dental implant fixture holds permanently in place. The implant acts like a replacement root, bonding with your jawbone over time to form a strong and secure base for your new crown. To learn more about how we can replace your single lost tooth, see Single dental implants.
Implant-supported Dental Bridge
An implant-supported bridge is a dental prosthetic that we can permanently place in your mouth to replace several consecutive missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns that attach to dental implants that we surgically place into your jaw bone. These crowns act as abutments at the site of the missing teeth to support a bridge that consists of up to 3 artificial teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are advantageous because they are permanent and can improve your chewing and speaking ability. They can also help maintain the shape of your face by preventing your lips from sagging due to missing teeth.
Implant-supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is an advanced prosthetic technique. This teeth replacement treatment involves surgically placing several dental implants, typically four, within the jawbone and then attaching a full set of denture teeth to them. Thus, providing a stable foundation for the denture. This type of denture offers a natural look, feel and movement, making it more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than traditional dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are a great option for those who are missing most or all of their teeth. The implant posts act like tooth roots, firmly securing the denture in place without the use of adhesives. Furthermore, implant-supported dentures can also help protect your gums and preserve the structure of your jaw. To learn more about our implant-supported dentures treatment, see All-On-Four Implant Dentures.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is very durable and can last for many years with proper oral hygiene. This type of bridge also helps restore normal function to your mouth and the ability to chew, preventing jaw joint and muscle problems due to having missing teeth.
However, there are some drawbacks. The traditional dental bridge process involves drilling into adjacent healthy teeth in order to create a support for the bridge. This can weaken the healthy teeth, and if the bridge does not fit properly, it can cause issues to your healthy teeth. They also require a significant amount of upkeep. All of these factors may lead to additional costs.
Traditional Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is the most common dental prosthesis that dentists use to replace missing teeth. They usually consist of a combination of acrylic and metal materials, and can be complete or partial removable prostheses. Full dentures typically rest on the gums, while partial dentures attach to remaining natural teeth using clasps. Dentures can provide many benefits, but not without drawbacks.
Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and create sores in the mouth as they rub against the gums. They may require frequent adjustments because they are not permanent and do not support your jaw bone. Dentures also make it difficult to speak and eat, as they can slip and make it hard to handle food and enunciate words correctly. They can also change the shape of your face, making your cheeks appear sunken in. Finally, dentures require frequent maintenance and added costs, such as adhesives and special cleaning products. To learn more about our denture services, see Dentures and partials.
Dental Implants: The Best Solution for Missing Teeth?
Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley will recommend dental implants in most cases. They are the only tooth replacement option that will preserve the jaw bone, give you full chewing function, and look the most natural. Even though dental implants cost more upfront, you will eventually need to repair, replace, or adjust other dental restorations.
That cost will add up over the years. They will also require timely, daily maintenance. However, dental implants are permanent, stable, and durable for long-term use. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley offer complete treatment for dental implants in our Virginia Beach dentist office. To learn more about our dental implants services, see Dental implants.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What happens if I do not replace missing teeth?
If you do not replace your missing teeth, the surrounding teeth are more likely to shift and become misaligned. In addition, gaps and overlap are much more likely in patients with untreated missing teeth. Teeth can shift and create crooked teeth.
What are my options if I have missing teeth?
If you have missing teeth, you have many options to treat and repair them. The most common options are dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. Your dentist can discuss your options with you and what they think will best correct your problem, depending on how many teeth are missing and their location in the mouth.
Can missing teeth cause jaw problems?
Missing teeth can cause a patient’s jaw to weaken, making them more prone to jaw shifting and fractures. This is because missing just a few teeth changes the number of teeth that your jaw has to support, so your jaw adjusts to that by altering shape and strength.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation to Replace Missing Teeth
Find out how Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley can help restore your smile if you are missing teeth near Norfolk, VA, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, VA, and Suffolk, VA area. They specialize in the replacement of missing teeth using dental implants, a dental crown, or a dental bridge.
We offer free consultations for patients with missing teeth to explore the various options available. Schedule an appointment with Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry by contacting our office at 757-656-6368, or request an appointment online today.