Missing teeth are a common dental concern that many people have today. But they just don’t know where to go. When you are missing one or more teeth, your entire smile is compromised. Beyond cosmetic concerns, missing teeth affect the functionality of your smile when performing daily tasks such as chewing or speaking.
Your dental structures are designed to work together, so when you are missing a tooth, your surrounding teeth are put under added pressure. This pressure can result in an increased risk for chronic jaw pain, facial sagging, tension headaches, and even additional dental damages.
As your trusted restorative dentist in Raleigh, NC, Dr. Emily Ann Reece provides a wide range of tooth replacement options. Together, you and Dr. Reece can come up with a plan to replace your missing teeth and restore your dental health.
Tooth Replacement Options in Raleigh, NC
You are not without options when it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth. Our restorative dentistry services have been expanded to include a wide range of treatment plans. To determine which tooth restoration will best meet your needs, we recommend scheduling a consultation with Dr. Reece.
Her goal is to provide you with the best solution for your smile. Some of our restorative dentistry options for missing teeth include:
- Dental Crowns – We will often recommend a dental crown if your tooth is not completely missing, but is severely damaged. A deep crack or chip on your tooth can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. To help our patients avoid the need for tooth extraction, we will do our best to fix dental damages with a dental crown.
- Dental Implants – Dental implants are the premier tooth replacement option for missing teeth. Involving a surgically implanted post, dental implants provide patients with a restoration that has tooth-root functionality.
- Dental Bridges – Dental bridges are a minimally invasive alternative to replacing a missing tooth. Utilizing the support of your surrounding teeth, dental bridges hold a prosthetic tooth in place of a missing tooth without the need for a surgical procedure.
- Dentures & Partials – If you are missing a full arch of teeth, Dr. Reece can help with that as well. She creates custom dentures and partials for patients who have been extensively affected by tooth loss.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing missing teeth is extremely important for both your overall oral health and the aesthetics of your smile and face. When you’re missing a tooth, the jawbone in that area starts to deteriorate. Your face starts to sag in that area as a result.
The teeth around the missing one will start to shift and move as they try to fill the hole that’s left. This can lead to awkward gaps in your teeth and reverse results from previous teeth straightening treatments you may have had.
Your bite becomes uneven as a result of a missing tooth. This can lead to TMJ disorders and other issues with jaw function. You may have trouble eating a balanced diet because you’re unable to chew certain kinds of foods. People that have one missing tooth are more likely to suffer from tooth decay, gum disease, and further tooth loss as well.
Replace Your Missing Teeth in Raleigh, NC
As seen above, our office offers options to fit every patient that’s suffering from missing teeth. Complete your smile again. Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started with your personalized treatment plan.