Coastal Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry in Virginia Beach can help you with your missing teeth. It doesn’t matter if your teeth are missing because of an injury, gum disease, decay, aging, or other reasons. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley offer many natural-looking replacement options.
We offer consultations for patients with tooth loss so that they can explore the various options available without worry!
Why Should I Replace my Missing Teeth?
Tooth loss can cause emotional and social problems, as well as severe medical conditions. When you lose a tooth, your jawbone begins to decay. Without treatment, it will get worse and make replacement more expensive.
Tooth loss can also cause TMJ disorders because your teeth may shift and your bite may become misaligned. Teeth next to the gap can shift to fill the space, leading to gum disease and gum recession.
Missing teeth can cause gum disease by creating pockets in the gums where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up. This can lead to gum infection, spreading to nearby teeth, and causing inflammation, redness, and bleeding. If not treated, it can develop into serious periodontal disease. That’s another reason to quickly replace missing teeth.
Missing teeth can also make it hard to eat certain foods. You can enjoy a wider variety of foods after having our dentist replace them. It can also improve your speech, making it easier to speak clearly. A full, healthy smile can boost your self-confidence and improve your overall quality of life.
Missing Teeth Treatment Options in Our Dental Office
We provide restorative dental treatments to help you replace your missing tooth or teeth. Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley will do a thorough check-up to understand your situation and suggest the best treatment for lasting results.
Our goal is to get your mouth back to its natural function and best health. We will decide on your treatment based on how many teeth are missing, where they are, and your overall health. We offer the following treatments at our Virginia Beach dental office.
Implant-supported Dental Crowns
A dental crown fits over a damaged or decayed tooth to strengthen and protect it. An implant-supported dental crown is held in place by a dental implant. The implant acts like a new root, bonding with your jawbone to form a strong 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 use to replace several missing teeth in a row. It consists of crowns attached to dental implants placed in your jawbone. These crowns support a bridge of up to three artificial teeth.
Implant-supported bridges are permanent and can improve your chewing and speaking ability. They also help maintain the shape of your face by preventing your lips from sagging because of missing teeth.
Implant-supported Dentures
An implant-supported denture is a modern way to replace missing teeth. This treatment involves placing several dental implants, usually four, into the jawbone. Then attaching a full set of denture teeth to them. This gives the denture a stable and secure base, making it more comfortable and natural-looking than traditional dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are great for patients missing most or all their teeth. The implants act like tooth roots, holding the denture firmly in place without adhesives. They also help protect your gums and keep your jaw structure strong. To learn more about our implant-supported dentures, see All-On-Four Implant Dentures.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional dental bridge is strong and can last many years with good oral care. It helps restore normal chewing and prevents jaw problems from missing teeth. However, there are some drawbacks.
However, there are some drawbacks. The process involves drilling into nearby healthy teeth to support the bridge, which can weaken them. If the bridge doesn’t fit well, it can cause issues with the healthy teeth. Also, traditional bridges need a lot of upkeep, which can lead to extra costs.
Traditional Dentures & Partial Dentures
A denture is a common dental device that dentists use to replace missing teeth. Made from acrylic and metal, dentures can be full or partial and are removable. Full dentures rest on the gums, while partial dentures use clasps to attach to nearby natural teeth. They offer many benefits but also have some downsides.
Traditional dentures can be uncomfortable and cause sores by rubbing against the gums. They often need frequent adjustments since they aren’t permanent and don’t support the jawbone. Dentures can also make it hard to speak and eat, as they may slip.
They can also change the shape of your face, making your cheeks look sunken. Additionally, dentures require regular maintenance and extra costs for adhesives and 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 often recommend dental implants. They are the only option that preserves the jawbone, restores full chewing function, and looks natural. While dental implants cost more upfront, other restorations will need repairs, replacements, or adjustments over time and need daily care.
Dental implants are permanent, stable, and durable. Dr. Sinclair and Dr. Reichley provide complete dental implant treatment in our Virginia Beach 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. But it will depend on how many teeth are missing and their location in the mouth.
Can missing teeth cause jaw problems?
Missing teeth can weaken your jaw, making it more prone to shifting and fractures. This happens because your jaw changes shape and strength to adjust to the new number of teeth it has to support.
How fast does bone loss occur with missing teeth?
Bone loss typically begins soon after a tooth is removed, and noticeable changes can appear within the first six months. Without the tooth root stimulating the jawbone, your body reabsorbs the bone in that area. Over time, this can alter your facial shape and weaken the structure that supports adjacent teeth. The rate varies among individuals and depends on overall health and oral hygiene. Early intervention, like implants or grafts, can slow or prevent further bone loss.
Can you use porcelain veneers for missing teeth?
Porcelain veneers only work when you still have a healthy tooth structure. They’re thin shells that bond to the front of existing teeth, so you can’t place them over a gap. If an entire tooth is missing, you need a bridge, implant, or another tooth replacement method. Veneers can improve color and shape but won’t fill the space of an absent tooth. Your dentist will recommend the best replacement strategy based on your specific situation.
Can missing teeth cause digestive problems?
Yes, missing teeth can make proper chewing more difficult. They can lead to larger food particles reaching your stomach. Poorly chewed food can strain your digestive system and sometimes trigger indigestion or nutrient malabsorption. Over time, this can affect your overall health and well-being. Restoring missing teeth helps you chew more efficiently and supports healthy digestion. It also preserves your jaw alignment and reduces stress on the remaining teeth.
Schedule a Dental Exam and Consultation to Replace Missing Teeth
Learn how Dr. Sinclair or Dr. Reichley can help restore your smile if you are missing teeth near Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Suffolk, VA areas. We specialize in the replacement of missing teeth using dental implants, a dental crown, or a dental bridge.
We offer 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.