Left untreated, missing teeth trigger a domino effect of oral health problems. Whether you are missing one tooth or all of your teeth, they will eventually begin to interfere with your quality of life and health. Missing teeth are just one of the many dental concerns Dr. Desbordes treats in Baltimore, MD. If you are missing teeth, it is essential to visit our dentist in Baltimore, MD as soon as possible. We will conduct a dental exam to assess your oral health. This will help us create a personalized and comprehensive treatment plan to address your issues with missing teeth, as well as any other dental issues you want to fix.
Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth
The tooth is attached to your jawbone with a root system. These root systems help to stabilize your bite and hold your teeth in alignment. When teeth are missing, the jaw bone is not fully supported and begins to deteriorate. Missing teeth often increase the chances of losing additional teeth and eventually, the jawline begins to recede leaving the face sunken and prematurely aged.
Patients with missing teeth are also more susceptible to developing gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that have been linked to a number of systemic health concerns. Gum disease increases patients’ chances of developing inflammation, heart disease, heart attacks, and diabetes.
Missing teeth can cause:
- Damage to reaming teeth
- Shifting of teeth
- Recession of jawline
- Gum disease
- Additional tooth loss
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Diminish quality of life and nutrition
Replacement Options for Missing Teeth
Dr. Desbordes provides options for replacing missing teeth. After a thorough oral health exam, he will help you build a treatment plan that fits your budget and lifestyle while providing your optimal oral health. The missing tooth replacement option you choose will depend on your oral health and the location and number of missing teeth you have.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most natural and comfortable missing tooth replacement option. Implants can replace one tooth or a whole arch of missing teeth. Implants are surgically implanted into the jaw and are capped with a custom-designed dental fabrication. Dental implants can secure an ill-fitting denture or can be capped with a dental crown.
Our Baltimore dentist office works cooperatively with a local dental lab to fabricate natural-looking and functioning dental restorations. Implants function like a prosthetic tooth and help to secure the integrity of the jaw. Dr. Desbordes works with local oral surgeons to complete the dental implant procedure for consistent and lasting results.
Schedule A Consultation
Dr. Desbordes is a highly trained and experienced restorative dentist. He has advanced dental training with both the Spear Academy and the prestigious Dawson Academy. If you have missing teeth contact our Windsor Mill, MD dentist office.
Dr. Desbordes welcomes new patients of all ages and can help you to restore, enhance or maintain a healthy smile. We proudly serve the Baltimore, MD area including Woodlawn and Owning Mills. Contact us at (410) 216-4023 or request an appointment online.
Missing Teeth FAQs
While you do not have to replace a tooth, we highly recommend it. Over time, tooth loss can actually affect your overall health in addition to your oral health. People with missing teeth are highly susceptible to getting gum disease which can wreak havoc on your health and lead to additional tooth loss. Tooth loss has even been linked to heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers.
Yes, Dr. Desbordes can use a partial denture to temporarily replace a missing tooth. This is not a long-term fix but is acceptable to use for a short time. The underlying bone will slowly begin to deteriorate with this solution. We recommend having a dental implant placed as soon as you are ready to permanently replace the missing tooth.
Dental implants will replace the teeth at the root and prevent bone loss. This means you will never have to deal with your facial features changing from the underlying bone slowly deteriorating. They will not put a strain on your remaining teeth and will protect the integrity of your smile. They are also easier to care for and are very realistic.