Dental Implants

The Importance of Missing Teeth

Portrait of a smiling mature businessman standing in an office

Do you often find yourself hiding your smile?

Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed by your missing teeth. There are multiple options for replacing and improving the look of teeth for long-lasting results.

Millions of Americans are missing at least one tooth, which can lead to problems in the long run.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Ignoring missing teeth can lead to increased oral and general health problems. If left untreated, missing teeth may cause:

Speech problems
Difficulty eating and drinking
Tooth decay
Tooth loss
Gum disease

There are solutions that can replace missing teeth and prevent further oral health problems from developing. But how can teeth fall out in the first place?

Causes of Missing Teeth

People can lose teeth in a variety of ways:

Injury
Severe tooth grinding
Congenitally missing teeth
Severe tooth decay
Gum disease

If you have any of these conditions, please schedule an appointment with the professionals in our office immediately. It is important to treat patients with these oral health problems to prevent further damage.

Treatment Options for Missing Teeth

Dr. Frank Henrich and the team at Henrich Dental offer multiple treatment options for patients with a missing tooth or teeth. Some solutions may include:

Dental Implants

Dental implants are made of titanium posts that are inserted into the jaw bone. The posts heal over 3 to 6 months and are secured with abutments that support the implant. A dental crown is then applied over the implant and is matched to existing teeth for a natural look.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are often used to replace several missing teeth. In treatment, bridges are inserted and supported by adjacent teeth as well as dental implants. Dental bridges blend in with other teeth and “bridge the gap” to create a balanced smile.

Dentures

Dentures can be an excellent option for patients who are missing the upper or lower arch of their teeth. Dentures secured with a dental implant provide more stability, but there are also removable and convenient denture options.