Missing Teeth

Modesto, Manteca, Ceres, Turlock, Salida, Ripon, California Dentist

 

For kids, missing teeth are a rite of passage, and any corresponding fear or discomfort is soothed by a visit from the Tooth Fairy and the reassurance that each lost tooth will be replaced by a new one. For adults, however, missing teeth can damage your self-esteem and lead to progressive dental problems.

 

Fortunately, there are a number of options available to replace missing teeth. An examination by a knowledgeable Ceres dentist at Sierra Dental Care will assess your individual condition and determine the best solution for your missing teeth.

 

The Dangers of Missing Teeth

 

Adults with missing teeth may be primarily concerned with the cosmetic aspect. But missing teeth can affect much more than your self-confidence.

 

A missing tooth or teeth can force unnatural changes to the way you bite and chew. This, in turn, can cause premature wear on your remaining teeth and cause your teeth to shift, resulting in tooth and/or jaw pain.

 

Missing teeth can also play a role in plaque buildup and premature decay of surrounding teeth, as well as increase your risk for gum disease.

 

Missing Teeth Treatment Options

 

Dental implants are an increasingly popular solution for missing teeth. Comprised of a dental crown attached to a titanium post, dental implants look and function like your natural teeth.

 

With dental implants, the post is secured to bone and acts as a tooth root as your bone grows around it. After the bone has fused with the titanium “root,” the post is capped with a permanent crown, which your gums will grow around. Dental implants are strong and durable, and they require the same dental hygiene care as your natural teeth.

 

If your bone structure and gum tissue are not able to support a dental implant, a dental bridge may be recommended to replace your missing tooth or teeth. Made with one or more false teeth supported by crowns, dental bridges fit within your existing teeth and generally function as your natural teeth, although they require minor variations in oral hygiene.

 

Dentures offer a more cost-effective for replacing missing teeth, and they have the added benefit of being removable. Full dentures may be a good option if you need to replace all of the teeth on your upper or lower arch, while partial dentures are better suited to those who have some remaining teeth.

Although dentures are removable, they require attentive care to ensure a long lifespan.

 

If you have missing teeth and would like to schedule an appointment to determine what options are available for treatment, please contact the experienced Modesto dentists at Sierra Dental Care. Sierra Dental Care provides quality general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry to patients in the Modesto, Ripon, Ceres, Salida, Turlock, and Manteca, California, areas.