Know Your Options for Missing Teeth

by Ruchika Khetarpal DDS  

To avoid losing teeth prevention is key!

It is the key to the longevity of your physical and oral health. My standard of care is to provide all of my patients with a healthy and functional dentition. If you have been missing teeth for twenty years or two years there is a way to replace them now! The benefits of replacing missing teeth are many. Here is a list of just a few:

1) Prevent periodontal disease in adjacent teeth: As teeth shift the gum pocket can become greater and therefore allowing more bacteria into the spaces and causing bone loss.

2) The teeth above or below erupt into the opposing space: Teeth like to have 'buddies'. If there isn't anything against it then it will start moving up or down and will eventually be lost as well.

3) Prevent problems with TMJ: With movement in your teeth you will get a change in your occlusion (bite). This can then start causing pain in your TMJ or muscles in your jaw.

4) Chew your food better and have better digestion.

What are your choices to replace your missing teeth?

Dental Implants - The research and utilization of dental implants has changed dentistry forever. Dental implants can replace one tooth, multiple teeth or help provide anchorage to your lose denture. This is a procedure done by a periodontist or oral surgeon. After the implant heals within your bone I would restore it with a crown. The implant would keep the bone that would be otherwise lost without a tooth and allow you to function as you did before. A healthy individual has a 98% success rate with a dental implant!

Bridges - A dental bridge is just what it sounds like. It has two anchors which allow the missing tooth in the middle to be held in place. If you are missing one tooth then the bridge would have three units, one anchor on either side of the missing tooth. The bridge is made out of porcelain and is tooth colored. The benefits are that it is fixed, meaning it is cemented in. Unfortunately, the two anchor teeth would have to be crowned ('capped') for one missing tooth. The bridge would also not prevent bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.

Partial Denture - A partial denture is a good option when there are multiple missing teeth, active periodontal disease and implants or bridges are not an option. New types of partials can be quite aesthetic. I am able to do partials without any metal being used and therefore a natural look when you smile. 

Please ask for more information at your next dental exam or feel free to call for a free consult with me and we can discuss your needs and concerns.

Please contact my office immediately at 513-923-1215 or fill out the appointment request form to schedule now.

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