Did you know that the longer you wait to replace missing, the more you increase your chance of developing a more complex dental problem?
Missing one or more teeth can have detrimental effects on your oral health. Missing teeth can affect the jawbone, neighboring teeth, and the alignment of your teeth. Replacing your missing teeth as soon as possible can save you time, money, and complications in the future.
Finding an experienced dentist in Tulsa OK is an integral part of finding a successful tooth replacement option. Dr. Frank Henrich offers a range of natural-looking, long-lasting tooth replacement options in his Tulsa, OK dental office. We provide dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Dr. Henrich takes the time to plan a personalized treatment plan to restore your smile and address any underlying dental problems that may be affecting your oral health. We use modern techniques and software to craft beautiful, functional smiles at Henrich Dental.
The Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth
Patients who are missing teeth are more prone to developing certain oral conditions. Missing teeth can cause misalignment in the teeth, which can lead to an imbalanced or unstable bite. An imbalanced bite can cause unintended wear on your existing teeth, and even lead to further tooth loss if not treated accordingly. Patients with missing teeth are also more susceptible to jawbone deterioration, which may limit the amount of tooth replacement solutions available to them in the future.
Visiting the dentist regularly gives patients the best chance of finding the right solution for their smile while maintaining the integrity and aesthetic of their smile.
Missing Teeth Solutions in Tulsa
At Henrich Dental, we offer several different replacement options to restore missing teeth. Dr. Henrich has extensive experience crafting long-lasting, durable tooth replacement solutions to patients in need. The type of tooth replacement solution will depend on the number of missing teeth, location, and overall oral health. Dr. Henrich will also consider factors like your lifestyle, budget, and dental goals before providing the appropriate tooth replacement solution. If needed, Dr. Henrich may suggest additional treatments to treat any underlying problems.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most successful tooth replacement options for patients missing one or more teeth. Your dentist will strategically place them into the jawbone. There, they will they act as a tooth root to adequately support your final restoration. Dental implants can promote bone regeneration and prevent further bone loss in the jaw. With proper care, dental implants can last years and improve the quality and look of your smile.
Learn more about Dental Implants:
- All-On-Four Dental Implants
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants FAQ
- Dental Implants Process
- Dentures vs Implants
- Multiple Dental Implants
- Types of Dental Implants
Dental Bridge
Dental bridges can replace several consecutive missing teeth. This dental prosthetic relies on the support of neighboring adjacent teeth to function. For a more secure result, the dentist can fix dental bridges in place using dental implants. This doesn’t compromise the health of your existing teeth like traditional bridges do.
The bridge usually consists of porcelain and the two ends attach to the teeth on either side of the space. A dentist can use a bridge to replace a single missing tooth in the front or back of your mouth, or to fill an entire row of missing teeth. Learn more about Dental Bridges.
Dentures
Dentures can be a valuable option for patients missing the top, bottom, or both arches of teeth. Depending on your needs, Dr. Henrich may suggest a partial denture, full denture, or an implant secured denture. The most common type of denture is a partial denture. A partial denture is a removable device that replaces some teeth in a row or an entire arch of teeth. Partial dentures are removable and custom-made to fit your mouth. The dentist does not permanently attach them to your jaw like implant-secured dentures. They will stay in place with the help of your gums and cheeks.
With implant-secured dentures, patients can enjoy the added benefit of a more stable tooth replacement option that allows you to eat, drink, and speak without restrictions. This process involves placing dental implants in your mouth and attaching the full dentures to them. Usually, only patients that are missing all of their teeth will receive implant-secured dentures. Learn more about Dentures.
Missing Teeth FAQs
What happens if I do not replace my teeth?
Aside from suffering from embarrassment, there are several things that could happen that would affect your oral health. Teeth actually help other teeth remain in proper place. If there is a gap anywhere in a row of teeth, the remaining teeth surrounding the gap will begin to shift out of place. This can create bite problems. A gap in your smile will also make it harder to bite and chew certain kinds of foods. Missing teeth can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, as well as other health problems.
Why do missing teeth cause bone loss in the jaw?
The roots of a tooth extend into the jaw bone to hold the tooth in place. So, when you lose a tooth or a dentist extracts it, you also lose the roots. The roots play an important role in bone regeneration. When there are no roots, the jaw bone will begin to slowly deteriorate. Bone loss will occur slowly over time and that will cause changes to your facial appearance such as deep wrinkles and a sunken in mouth. The best treatment for missing teeth is to replace them with dental implants because they also replace the teeth roots.
How should I replace a single missing tooth?
If you only have one missing tooth, the best way to replace it is with a dental implant supported crown. We also offer fixed dental bridges and partial dentures (a flipper tooth) however, they will not provide you with the same benefits as dental implants. An implant supported crown will prevent bone loss in the jaw, does not require any surrounding teeth to be damaged, and is the most durable option.
How long can you go without replacing a missing tooth?
A missing tooth should be replaced as soon as possible. After getting teeth extracted, you shouldn’t wait about four to six months before getting implants to replace them. The longer you wait to replace missing teeth, the more likely they are to cause further issues.
Can missing teeth inhibit speech?
Missing teeth might impair one’s ability to communicate clearly. This is because the lips, teeth, and tongue are all required, and need to be in their proper places to enunciate clearly. Certain sounds and letters may be more difficult to pronounce with teeth missing or out of place.
Schedule An Appointment
If you are missing teeth and you would like to explore your tooth replacement options, contact Dr. Henrich at Henrich Dental in Tulsa, OK. Restorative dentist Dr. Henrich will work with you to get you the tooth replacement solution you need to restore function, beauty, and health back into your smile. If you would like to explore your options, call (918) 262-4731 or request an appointment online.