When you lose one or more teeth, it can seriously affect your dental health. Missing teeth don’t just change the way your smile looks; they also create problems with how you eat and speak. Your teeth, gums, and jawbone work together to help with these daily tasks.
When a tooth is missing, it changes the way pressure is spread across your teeth and adds extra strain on your jawbone. You also lose the root of the tooth, which keeps your jawbone strong. Without this stimulation, the jawbone can start to break down.
Bone loss in the jaw can lead to noticeable changes in your face, like a sunken appearance, a protruding chin, and more wrinkles around your mouth. These changes can make you look older than you are.
Replacing missing teeth is very important for keeping your smile and health in good shape. At our Cary, NC dental office, we offer restorative treatments to help replace lost teeth and bring back your smile.
Dr. Zhang will check your overall health and mouth to find the best solution for you. His goal is to help restore your oral health and provide a tooth replacement that looks natural and feels comfortable.
Tooth Replacement Options in Cary, NC
You are not without options when it comes to tooth restoration. Our office has expanded our restorative dentistry solutions to include dental implants, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. This allows us to fix a wide range of different situations. Whether you need to replace just one tooth or a whole set, we have a solution for you.
If you have a severely broken, chipped, or cracked tooth, we will suggest restoring the tooth using a dental crown. This covers the entire exterior of your tooth, so you don’t need to remove the tooth completely.
If you are missing a full set of teeth, our office offers custom dentures and partial dentures. These are crafted specifically for you using molds of your gums, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
For missing consecutive teeth, we suggest either dental implants or bridges. Dental implants involve placing a small titanium post into your jawbone, which acts like a tooth root and supports a new tooth. Bridges use the surrounding teeth for support, and they don’t require surgery.
Dr. Jack Zhang will help you decide which option is best for you during a consultation. Tooth replacement is essential in getting you back on track to optimal dental health. If you have a missing tooth, contact our office to learn more about how we can help restore your smile. At your appointment, Dr. Zhang will review all your options, and our staff will assist with insurance and payment details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the causes of missing teeth?
Missing teeth can happen for different reasons. Often, tooth decay is the cause. This happens when a tooth gets so damaged from decay that the dentist has to take it out. Gum disease is another big reason because it can damage the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
Injuries, like those from an accident, can also cause teeth to fall out. Sometimes, poor dental care or genetic factors can make people more likely to lose teeth.
Do I need to replace one missing tooth?
Yes, it’s important to replace a missing tooth, even if it’s just one. Losing a tooth can cause nearby teeth to shift and change how your bite works. Replacing the tooth keeps your teeth in the right position and your bite working properly.
It also helps prevent bone loss in your jaw, which can happen when a tooth root is missing. Options like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures can restore your smile and keep your mouth healthy.
Can missing teeth cause gum infection?
Yes, missing teeth can raise the chance of gum infections. Without a tooth, the gums and bone around the gap can be more open to bacteria. Food and plaque can build up in the empty space, which may irritate the gums and cause infections. Keeping the area clean and looking into options for replacing the missing tooth can help lower this risk and keep your gums healthy.
Does losing back teeth change your face?
Losing back teeth can change how your face looks. The back teeth, or molars, keep your jaw’s shape. When they’re missing, the jawbone can begin to shrink, making your face look sunken or older over time. Getting these teeth replaced or using dental options can keep your face looking natural and support your jawbone.
Can a missing tooth cause speech problems?
Yes, a missing tooth can affect your speech. Teeth help make certain sounds and words. Without a tooth, air flow in your mouth changes, which can make it harder to speak clearly. This might make it difficult to say some words or pronounce certain letters. Getting a replacement tooth, like an implant or bridge, can help fix your speech.