Do you have one or more missing teeth? Do you want to restore your natural smile?
If missing teeth are left untreated, they can increase your risk of developing dental and systemic health concerns. If you are missing one tooth or if you’re missing all of your teeth, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Leah Romay provides dental restorations for missing teeth in Glyndon, Maryland, at the Baltimore Dental Co.
Missing teeth are a common dental concern that can lead to bone loss, jaw recession, additional missing teeth, shifting of teeth, and an increased risk of tooth decay. Patients with missing teeth also have an increased risk of developing gum disease, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. Replacing your missing teeth can restore the function, health, and appearance of your smile.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss can result from several factors. Sometimes it often involves a combination of oral health issues and lifestyle choices. Common causes of missing teeth include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Neglecting our oral health can easily lead to tooth. When you fail to brush and floss your teeth every day, plaque and germs will collect inside your mouth, leading to many issues. Gum disease and tooth decay are the most common causes of tooth loss for people who neglect their oral health. Over time, if left untreated, these dental issues will cause your teeth to loosen and fall out. You must clean your teeth and gums clean and healthy to avoid this.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a common oral health problem many people face and is a leading cause of missing teeth. When bacteria collect in the gums, it leads to gum inflammation and infection. This causes the gum tissues and the supporting bone to break down. When the gums and bone weaken, the teeth loosen and finally fall out. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy will help you avoid gum disease and help preserve your teeth.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also called dental caries or cavities, is another major cause of missing teeth. Consuming sugary drinks or foods high in starch causes bacteria in our mouths to produce acid that erodes the tooth enamel. Cavities will form on your teeth if you fail to brush and floss on a regular basis. Without treatment, tooth decay will continue to eat away at your tooth and spread deep within the tooth. This can lead to discomfort, infection, and even tooth loss.
Accidents or Tooth Trauma
Every year, many people suffer from trauma to the mouth or accidents that can lead to tooth loss. Car accidents are a common cause of having many teeth being knocked out. A fall or hard blow to the face can lead to breaks, cracks, or loose teeth that may eventually lead to the tooth being pulled. Dentists do all they can to save the tooth or teeth in these cases. Unfortunately, tooth loss is inevitable in some of these cases.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries are a major cause of tooth loss because of trauma to the face. Many contact sports have a high risk of falls or collisions. High-risk sports lead to fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, impacted teeth, or damage to the supporting bone. Prompt treatment is crucial if your teeth are knocked out or loosened during a sporting event. In some cases, your dentist can save your teeth.
Certain Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can lead to missing teeth. It can be the condition or the medication that causes the problem. For example, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Many medical conditions can lead to a weakened immune system, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. This can increase the patient’s risk of oral infections and tooth loss.
Replacing Missing Teeth
If you have recently knocked out a tooth, call Baltimore Dental Co. so that we can offer a replacement as soon as possible. We provide multiple types of dental restorations to fill the gaps in your smile.
Missing a single tooth: A single missing tooth can be replaced with a dental implant. Dental implants are made of a titanium post, abutment, and dental crown. We can surgically place a single implant into the missing tooth socket. After a period of three to six months
Missing multiple teeth: If you have several consecutive missing teeth, you may benefit from a dental bridge. A dental bridge can be attached to adjacent natural teeth or anchored in the mouth with dental implants.
Missing a full arch of teeth: Dentures can replace one or more full arches of missing teeth. When secured by dental implants, dentures are a permanent restoration. Removable dentures can slip around the mouth and require messy adhesive. Implant-supported dentures are a longer-lasting treatment.
Missing Teeth FAQS
Dealing with tooth loss can be a sensitive topic. Dr. Romay has put together the top questions and answers about tooth loss to help her patients navigate this oral health concern. We aim to help you make the best decision for your oral health and overall well-being. If you have further questions, please get in touch with our office for additional help.
What problems do missing teeth cause?
When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift to fill the gap. The alignment of your bite is dependent on the stability of your teeth. Missing teeth may make it more challenging to clean between them. Since plaque becomes more stubborn to remove, gum disease and tooth loss become more likely.
Does losing teeth affect speech?
When teeth are missing, it may be more challenging to pronounce certain sounds or words. This is because the lips, teeth, and tongue all need to be in the right place in order for words to be said correctly. For example, pronouncing “tooth” without pressing your tongue to your front teeth is quite challenging.
Do missing teeth cause wrinkles?
Wrinkles that extend from the lips to the cheeks, can develop when the jaw rises due to tooth loss. If missing teeth are not treated, it may cause wrinkles to appear more prevalent, making you appear older than you actually are.
Can a missing tooth affect other teeth?
When a tooth is missing, the adjacent teeth may shift position, which can lead to problems with the alignment of the entire dental structure. If this is not treated, more of your teeth may be harmed over time.
How common are missing teeth?
One of the most frequently developing oral health disorders is missing teeth. According to dentists, missing teeth affect as many as 20% of adults.
Why is it important to replace missing teeth?
Replacing your teeth is vital to maintaining proper oral health. It will keep your remaining teeth aligned and your smile functioning properly. Also, replacing teeth will lower your risk of developing gum disease and bone loss. A full mouth of teeth will ensure you can eat and speak properly and keep your facial structure intact. Lastly, replacing teeth will boost your confidence.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
If your tooth gets knocked out, prompt action will increase your chances of saving it. Contact our office as soon as you can. Pick up the tooth by the crown, avoid the root, and gently rinse it in cool water. Do not scrub the tooth. If you can, reinsert the tooth back into the socket. If this is impossible, place it in milk or your saliva until your appointment. If Dr. Romay is unable to save your tooth, she will review your options to replace it.
Contact Baltimore Dental Co. if You Have Missing Teeth in Glyndon, MD
Do you want a fuller and more balanced smile? We can address your missing teeth in Glyndon, MD with one of several treatment options. Request an appointment with Dr. Romay online today or call Baltimore Dental Co. at 410.220.4680.