What are my options for missing teeth?

A solution to missing teeth

Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious and can have detrimental effects on your oral health. It can change your speech, the way you eat, cause your neighboring teeth to move out of place, and cause your jawbone may deteriorate.  But losing a tooth doesn’t mean you need to lose use of that area of your mouth.  Our Fairview dentist, Dr. Feng offers a range of natural-looking tooth replacement solutions so we may help you re-establish your healthy smile.  We provide dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges for patients who are missing one or more teeth.  As your Fairview, TX dentist, Dr. Feng and her friendly team at Sloan Creek Dental takes the time to get to know you and your smile so we can address your dental needs in a personalized treatment plan.

The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

smiling man

We’ve all heard about the importance of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to improve oral health. But did you know that the longer the patients waits on replace missing teeth, the more likely you are to develop a more complex dental problem? With missing teeth, it’s not uncommon for patients to experience several issues including misalignment or crowding of other teeth. If your teeth are misaligned, it will lead to an unstable bite, which can cause unintended wear on your existing teeth. In severe cases, jaw deterioration may begin and when the jawbone deteriorates, it 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.

Treatment options for missing teeth in Fairview, TX

At Sloan Creek Dental, we offer several replacement options to restore missing teeth. Whether you have one tooth missing or need a whole mouth restoration, we can help you find the best option for your circumstances.  

  • Dental Implants – Dental implants are one of the most successful tooth replacement options for patients missing one or more teeth. Dental implants are strategically placed into the jawbone where they act as a tooth root to adequately support your final restoration. With dental implants, it can not only help you maintain a beautiful, natural-looking smile, but it can also promote bone regeneration and prevent further bone loss in the jaw. With proper oral hygiene, dental implants can last for several years or longer.
  • Dentures – Dentures are removable sets of replacement teeth designed to mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth. Modern dentures can be crafted to fit any specifications, and will feel comfortable while looking natural. When paired with dental implants, dentures sit snugly and securely in your mouth. Dr. Feng may suggest a partial may denture, full denture, or an implanted secured denture depending on your health and your smile goals. 
  • Dental Bridge – A dental bridge is a beautiful, permanent alternative to a partial denture that looks and feels like a natural tooth. If you have one or more gaps in your smile, dental bridges may be the solution for you. This unique restoration relies on the support of neighboring adjacent teeth to function. For a more secure solution, dental bridges can be placed using dental implants and in doing so, it won’t compromise the health of your existing teeth.
 

I have more questions

We know you might have a few more questions about how we can replace missing teeth, so we have some of our most commonly asked questions. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for below, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll get your question answered for you as soon as possible!

What exactly is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a surgical replacement for the roots of missing teeth.  Once the screw and post are strategically placed, the dentist finishes the tooth with a cap or crown. 

When should I you get an Implant?

If you have just lost your tooth, it’s important to seek treatment immediately. By speaking with your dentist about beginning the implant process sooner rather than later, you can potentially reduce or even eliminate the need for a bone graft.  If untreated, over time the bone wears down and decays, leaving a weaker structure on which to affix the implant.  For patients that have bone loss, it may require a bone graft before a placement of a dental implant.  Avoid this painful and lengthy process by consulting your dentist as soon as possible after the tooth falls out.

Does it hurt to get dentures?

If you have recently received dentures, there may be some slight irritation when you start using them. This is a normal adjustment period as your body gets used to having them. While each person’s discomfort period varies, in most cases it goes away quickly.

Can I Take My Dental Bridge Out During the Day?

No, a dental bridge is a fixed dental prosthetic. That means it is attached to your teeth for support and replaces a missing tooth or space created by one or more missing teeth.  If you are looking for a removable option, you may wish to consider dentures.

Achieve a straighter smile in Fairview, TX

Sloan Creek Dental can help you with getting your beautiful smile back and enhance your quality of life. We take pride in being able to make every patient feel comfortable in our environment, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about dental implants, dentures, and bridges.  We proudly serve other communities such as Allen, Lucas, McKinney, and Plano.  Contact us at (972) 468-1440 today to discuss how we can help get the dental care you need.  Your friends and family will be amazed with your new smile!