If you have one or more missing teeth and want a fuller smile, Dr. Dhara Patel offers restorative dental treatments at Best Dental Spa. Dental implants, bridges, dentures, and partial dentures can replace one or multiple missing teeth.
Missing Teeth Problems
You should replace missing teeth because tooth structure is necessary to support your overall oral health. In addition, if you don’t fill the gaps left by missing teeth, multiple problems can arise, including:
- Bone loss
- Tooth decay
- Speech issues
- Crooked teeth
- Shifting teeth
- Overcrowding
- Difficulty chewing
- Facial sagging
Missing teeth can cause anxiety and embarrassment over the appearance of your smile and will often cause difficulty while eating or speaking. Dr. Patel can help you regain your confidence and your quality of life with the right option to replace lost or missing teeth. Contact our Hoffman Estates dental office to schedule your consultation.
Restorative Treatment Options
Tooth replacement has come a long way in recent years due to increasing technology. Common treatments to replace missing teeth include dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. Learn about which treatment is best for you here.
Before treatment, Dr. Patel will review your budget, goals, and oral health to help you choose a treatment that works for you. Dr. Patel uses Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) for restorations involving dental implants. CBCT is integral to treatment planning and the placement of implants.
Dental Implants
Dr. Patel can replace single missing teeth or whole arches of teeth utilizing dental implants to restore a beautiful, functional smile. A dental implant involves placing a tiny titanium post in the original bone pocket of the missing tooth. Over time, this titanium implant will bond with the bone to mimic a natural tooth and prevent bone loss.
After a period of 3 to 6 months, Dr. Patel will cap the dental implant with a permanent abutment and dental crown. This will create a natural smile and appearance. You can eat and speak normally and comfortably with dental implants, enjoying lasting dental health.
Dental Bridges
Another treatment option to replace missing teeth is with a fixed dental bridge. A bridge is a non-removable treatment that we attach to the remaining natural teeth. Dr. Patel can replace one or more teeth with dental bridges. This option can be removable or she can secure it in place using dental implants. Dental bridges can also utilize surrounding natural teeth to secure and replace consecutive missing teeth.
You can prevent further tooth loss with this dental prosthetic, but it will not help to retain bone in the jaw. While a bridge is initially a lower cost option, a dental implant can be more cost-effective in the long run. A dental bridge can put you at greater risk for developing tooth decay and contribute to other dental concerns over time.
Dentures & Partials
Multiple teeth or the upper and lower arches of teeth can be replaced with dentures or partial dentures. Like dental bridges, dentures can be removable or secured by dental implants. Dr. Patel also offers all-on-four dental implants to secure dentures using as few as four implants. Many patients also find it easier to bite and chew food with these dental restorations.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What happens if you don’t replace a missing tooth?
If you do not replace a missing tooth, it can cause issues over time. In some cases, teeth may shift around the gap causing crooked teeth. You are also more prone to many mild to severe oral health concerns, such as infections, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Can I get a crown for a missing tooth?
A common option to replace a missing tooth is a crown. Crowns work to replace single or multiple teeth. They are typically used in cohesion with dental implants and are a permanent solution to missing teeth.
Are teeth implants painful?
You’ll probably experience some soreness and discomfort after the operation. During the procedure, we put patients under anesthesia so that they do not feel any pain. After placing an implant, patients may feel achy and tender pain in the area for a few days.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have missing teeth and would like to restore your confidence in your smile, contact Best Dental Spa at 847.660.6603. Our team will work with you every step of the way to ensure that treatment runs smoothly. Call Best Dental Spa today for comprehensive missing teeth treatment or send us a request for an appointment online.
