I’ve lost a tooth, now what?

Many factors may contribute to tooth loss, such as trauma (accidents), tooth decay, habits, diet, periodontal diseases, congenital absence (born without the tooth), or a lack of oral hygiene. But the reality is that, whatever the reasons, the tooth has to be replaced for both aesthetic and functional reasons.

In healthy teeth, the root transmits the force of chewing to the jaw bones. The teeth remain stable and there are no great changes. But when we lose a tooth, beyond compromising the stability of the adjacent teeth, a process of bone loss begins, called resorption.

The teeth naturally receive the force of chewing and, in their absence, the bone ceases to receive stimulation, causing its resorption in height and length. Initially, it may not seem all that serious to leave the tooth’s space unfilled, but, as time passes, major changes can take place.

Our team is here to help you restore your smile, whether you need an implant, bridge, partial denture, or a combination of restorative services.

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Possible changes caused by the loss of teeth

Esthetic changes caused by the change to the facial contours due to lack of support.
Occupation of the space left by the missing tooth by the adjacent and opposing teeth, which shift to fill the empty space.
If the missing tooth is from the front of the mouth, this affects the smile and, potentially, self-confidence.
Difficulty speaking and chewing and, as a result, possible digestion and health problems, generally due to incorrect chewing.

What are the treatment options?

There are several types of treatment options available to restore or replace teeth, depending on your clinical circumstances, preferences, and oral health needs. One or more of the following treatment options may be suitable for your smile. We recommend scheduling a consultation with our team so we can discuss your unique treatment plan in depth.

Treatment with Implant

Preservation of the bone structure and palate
Maintaining quality of chewing
Teeth look more natural
The prosthesis will be fixed and attached to implants
Conservation of the adjacent natural teeth

Conventional Treatment (Bridges or Partial Dentures)

Bone resorption and soft tissues
Partial dentures require support from other teeth
Possible discomfort caused by movement of prosthesis
Possible prosthetic instability
Possible changes to the palate
The prosthesis is removable (denture) and held by the gums
Wear of the adjacent teeth supporting the bridge (bridges)

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are devices made of Cr titanium alloys used to replace the root of the tooth and give support to a prosthesis, thus contributing to improved physical appearances and ability to chew. They are often great choices for patients who have lost one, several, or all of their teeth. A major advantage of attaching a crown to a dental implant is the fact that they do not move around while the patient is eating or speaking. This certainty provides a more natural and comfortable result than bridges or conventional dentures, improving the patient’s confidence, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Interested in seeing if you’re a candidate for dental implants? We’d love to help. Contact our office to schedule your consultation today!