Did you just knock out a tooth in an accident? Or maybe you’ve had one or more missing teeth for years and never got them replaced? No matter how long it’s been, you’re not alone and it’s never too late to restore your smile. At Hermitage Dental, we help patients replace missing teeth in Edmonton, AB.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, we have advanced options to restore the look, feel, and function of your teeth. Lost teeth are common dental concerns we treat every day in our dental office.
Choosing Hermitage Dental to Replace Missing Teeth
When you choose Hermitage Dental, you’re choosing experience, compassion, and care. Dr. Ranveer Chandy is committed to giving patients the best results. He stays current with the latest dental technology and techniques including dental implants, one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth.
Dr. Chandy has completed advanced training in implant dentistry and continues his education to stay ahead in the field. You can trust that you’re getting expert care with long-lasting results.
We also know that losing a tooth from an injury, gum disease, or decay can feel overwhelming. That’s why our team takes the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of treatment.
What Happens When You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?
Some people think that a missing tooth isn’t a big deal if it’s not visible when they smile. But the truth is that even one missing tooth can cause many problems over time:
Your Other Teeth May Shift Out of Place
Your teeth should fit together to help you chew and speak. When you lose a tooth, your other teeth start to move around to fill the gap. This can cause your nearby teeth to tilt or slide out of their proper position.
When teeth shift, your bite can become uneven. You might have trouble chewing or notice that your teeth feel out of alignment. Over time, this can lead to more problems like jaw pain, worn-down teeth, or even cracked or broken teeth. Properly aligned teeth can keep your whole mouth healthy.
Your Jawbone Can Start to Shrink
Underneath each of your teeth is a tooth root that connects to the jawbone. That root sends signals to your body that the bone in that area needs to stay strong. When a tooth is removed or falls out and isn’t replaced, the body doesn’t get that signal anymore. As a result, your jawbone starts to shrink or break down in that spot. This is called bone loss.
Bone loss can change the way your face looks. Your cheeks may appear sunken, and your jawline might look smaller. This can make you look older than you are. Replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant can help stop bone loss and keep your jawbone strong and healthy.
It Can Become Harder to Chew and Speak
Your teeth play a big role in how you eat and talk. When even one tooth is missing, it can make everyday tasks more difficult.
You might avoid certain foods because they’re too hard to chew, like apples, steak, or crunchy vegetables. This could lead to poor nutrition if you’re not getting the healthy foods your body needs. You may also notice yourself chewing more on one side of your mouth, which can cause strain on your jaw muscles and lead to pain.
Missing teeth can also affect how you speak. You might have trouble saying certain words clearly, especially if the missing tooth is near the front of your mouth. This can be frustrating and embarrassing in conversations or social situations.
You’re at a Higher Risk for Cavities and Gum Disease
Gaps from missing teeth can make it harder to clean your mouth properly. When your teeth shift or tilt into the open space, it creates tight spots and odd angles that are difficult to reach with your toothbrush or floss. This makes it easier for plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to build up.
Plaque can lead to cavities and gum disease. Gum disease can cause swelling, bleeding, and eventually even more tooth loss if it’s not treated. Keeping all of your teeth in their proper places helps make it easier to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
You May Feel Less Confident
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you’re missing a front tooth you might feel embarrassed or self-conscious. You may cover your mouth when you laugh or avoid photos.
Feeling unhappy with your smile can affect your self-esteem and how you interact with others. Missing teeth can make you feel like you have to hide a part of yourself at school, work, or social events. Replacing missing teeth can boost your confidence and help you feel good about smiling again.
Tooth Replacement Options
Our dentists can provide multiple options to restore one or more lost teeth. We’ll examine your mouth and find the right missing teeth treatment in our Edmonton, AB, dental office:
Dental Implants
Tooth implants are a top choice for many patients because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. A dental implant is a small titanium post we place in your jawbone. Over time, the bone grows around the implant, holding it firmly in place. Once the implant heals, we attach a dental crown to the top.
Benefits of dental implants include:
- Long-lasting (can last many years or even a lifetime)
- Prevents bone loss in the jaw
- Looks and feels like a natural tooth
- Doesn’t affect nearby healthy teeth
Dental implants are great for replacing one tooth, several teeth, or even all your teeth with implant-supported dentures.
Dentures
Dentures and partials are another common option for replacing missing teeth. Traditional dentures are removable and made to look like your natural teeth. We offer full dentures to replace all of your upper or lower teeth. Partial dentures to replace several missing teeth while keeping your remaining natural teeth.
Dentures are usually made from acrylic and sit on your gums. Some partial dentures use metal clasps to attach to nearby teeth.
We may also recommend implant dentures so your dentures don’t slip. The added support of implants can help you eat and speak. Implant posts can also improve your smile and facial shape. Today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth in a row. A traditional bridge uses your natural teeth on either side of the gap to hold a false tooth (or teeth) in place.
Different types of dental bridges exist, but most involve placing crowns on the nearby teeth and anchoring a replacement tooth between them. Implant-supported bridges don’t require tooth preparation. Dental implants keep bridges strong and stable
Schedule an Appointment
No matter how you lost your tooth or how long it’s been, we can help. At Hermitage Dental in Edmonton, AB, everyone deserves a full and healthy bite. Missing teeth can affect your comfort, confidence, and quality of life. With the right treatment, you can enjoy your smile again.
Get missing teeth treatment in Edmonton, AB by calling 587-806-4168. You can also request an appointment with our dentists online.