Whether your missing teeth are the result of dental trauma or a severe dental issue, it is important that you find a tooth replacement option to restore your smile. Addressing missing teeth can reduce your risk of gum disease, further tooth loss, and bone deterioration in the jaw.
For patients with missing teeth, Foothills Dentistry in Calgary, AB offers a full range of treatment options to restore full function and health to the natural smile. Under the care of our experienced dentists, our patients are able to explore a vast range of treatment options, learn more about their dental health, and gain the tools and knowledge needed to maintain a healthy smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Even when you lose just one tooth, it can cause a domino effect of complications that can influence the health, function, and aesthetic of your smile. When a tooth is lost, a series of processes begin to happen: the teeth may begin to shift in an attempt to fill the space left behind by the missing teeth, which can lead to crooked or misaligned teeth. Like the muscles, the bone in the jaw must be stimulated to prevent complications.
Out of all the complication that missing teeth can cause, bone loss in the jaw may be the most severe. If left untreated, missing teeth can contribute to bone loss in the jaw bone. When bone density diminishes, patients may experience facial sagging and difficulties chewing and speaking.
What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?
Foothills Dentistry offers a complete range of tooth replacement options to address patients missing one or several teeth. We employ state of the art dental technology to aid in the treatment and diagnostic process in order to improve patient success. Our team will evaluate the condition of your teeth and determine if dental implants, dental bridges, or dentures are right for you.
Replacing one or more teeth with dental implants: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are designed to replace missing teeth permanently. They are surgically implanted into the jaw bone and function as the tooth root. Implants are designed to look, feel, and function as the natural teeth. They help maintain the integrity of the bone structure while providing a long-lasting, stable solution for one or more missing teeth.
Replace a full arch of missing teeth with dentures: Dentures are designed to replace either the top, bottom, or both arches of missing teeth. Custom designed dentures offer patients a reliable solution for missing teeth. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, implant secured dentures offer several advantages over traditional denture treatment.
Replace several consecutive missing teeth with a dental bridge: A dental bridge can be used to bridge the “gap” between missing teeth. Traditionally a dental bridge is held into place using adjacent teeth and custom dental crowns; however, for a more secure solution, a dental bridge can be secured using strategically placed dental implants. An implant secured dental bridge helps protect the integrity of the surrounding teeth as well as enhance the appearance of your smile.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What are the risks of tooth extraction?
The risks after a tooth extraction are dry socket, infection, and nerve or bone structure damage. These are not very common, and if you follow the instructions given by your dentist you should not experience any complications.
Can missing teeth cause a lisp?
Missing teeth can cause a lisp, especially if its front teeth. It can be difficult to pronounce certain sounds without certain teeth, causing patients to sound like they speak with a lisp.
What happens if missing teeth are not replaced?
If missing teeth are not replaced it may cause surrounding teeth to shift, creating misalignment. Gaps may form, or teeth may overlap. Missing teeth also creates an environment for bacteria to thrive and cause gum damage.
Schedule A Dental Exam and Consultation
If you would like to learn more about your tooth replacement options, visit your trusted dentists at Foothills Dentistry in Calgary, AB. We offer dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges as valuable solutions for your lost teeth. To learn more, or to explore your options, call or request an appointment online.