When a patient loses a tooth, it can be a scary predicament. But there are actually many options to help resolve this situation. Today, Charvet Dental Center will tell you what options are available for restoring missing teeth.
Causes of Missing Teeth
Before discussing treatment options, let’s look at some of the common reasons people lose their teeth. It can be more common than you’d expect, depending on health and other circumstances.
1. Tooth Decay
- Cavities: When serious tooth decay is not treated in time, it can destroy a tooth to the point where it cannot be salvaged and must be extracted.
- Infection: Untreated decay can also lead to various infections and abscesses, requiring tooth extraction to prevent the spread of infection to other areas of the mouth and body..
2. Gum Disease
- Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease (called periodontitis) causes damage to the tissues and bone that support teeth, which can lead to tooth loosening and eventual loss. This starts as gingivitis, which requires prompt treatment.
3. Dental Trauma
- Injury: Accidents or injuries, such as sports collisions, car accidents, or other means of trauma, can cause teeth to break or fall out.
- Biting on Hard Objects: Those who have habits of chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or candies might cause teeth to crack or break.
4. Systemic Health Issues
- Diabetes: Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to increased exposure to infections like gum disease, which can result in tooth loss.
- Osteoporosis: This condition weakens bones, which includes those supporting teeth, causing an increased risk of tooth loss.
5. Poor Oral Hygiene
- Neglect: Failing to maintain brushing, flossing, and/or regular dental check-ups can lead to premature tooth decay and gum disease.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant factor in gum disease and tooth loss.
6. Substance Abuse
- Drug Use: Certain drugs, particularly methamphetamine, can cause severe dental problems and tooth loss.
- Alcohol Abuse: Excessive alcohol use can lead to poor oral hygiene and increased risk of oral health problems.
7. Age
- Natural Aging: As people age, the risk of gum disease and tooth loss increases due to natural wear and tear experienced by teeth and gums over time.
8. Tooth Wear
- Bruxism: Habitual grinding or clenching of teeth often causes significant wear and damage.
- Acid Erosion: Regular exposure to acidic foods and beverages can erode enamel, which not only weakens teeth but also makes decay and loss more likely.
Treatment Options
When it comes to restorative dentistry around missing teeth, Charvet Dental Center offers a number of approaches. Dr. Charvet and Dr. Charvet Jr. are experts in all aspects of their profession, including this one. Here are some of the common methods we use:
1. Dental Implants
- Description: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once integrated with the bone, these implants provide a sturdy foundation for a crown, bridge, or denture.
- Benefits: Implants are long-lasting and highly durable, and are often popular in that they look and function like a natural tooth. Getting implants helps to prevent bone loss and preserves facial structure while not affecting adjacent teeth.
- Considerations: Before you receive implants, your provider will determine if you have sufficient bone density. The process does involve a surgical procedure. While there is a higher initial cost, dental implants carry long-term value
2. Fixed Dental Bridges
- Description: A dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (also called pontics) anchored by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. Implants can also be used as anchors.
- Benefits: These also provide a natural appearance and restore normal function and bite. Compared to implants, they’re a relatively quick procedure compared to implants
- Considerations: They might require alteration of adjacent healthy teeth, and may not prevent bone loss in the missing tooth area.
3. Removable Partial Dentures
- Description: Removable partial dentures are made of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base, which are then kept in place by metal clasps or precision attachments.
- Benefits: These are non-invasive, relatively affordable, and easy to repair and adjust. We can use them to replace multiple missing teeth
- Considerations: They can be less stable and comfortable compared to fixed options, and they require regular removal and cleaning.
4. Removable Complete Dentures
- Description: Complete dentures will replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw and are made of acrylic resin.
- Benefits: These are relatively affordable and non-invasive and can improve appearance and restore function for those with no remaining teeth
- Considerations: They may require adhesives for better fit, as well as regular adjustments and replacements throughout treatment.
Finding the Right Fit
Our team at Charvet Dental Center will work closely with you to determine the best course of treatment for you based on your condition and preferences. We’re happy to offer such a range of options, and can’t wait to start this transformative process with you at our Metairie office!