A beautiful smile goes a long way toward making the right impression. There’s a strong emotional tie between a smile and self-esteem. Losing a tooth can be very embarrassing and stressful. It affects not only self-perception but also how others perceive you.
People with missing teeth tend to avoid social interaction and become more isolated and depressed with time.Â
But thanks to advancements in dental techniques and treatment, tooth replacement options in Okemos have never been better.
Missing Teeth Can Lead To Health Issues
Tooth loss can reduce the quality of life and lessen the likelihood of eating a healthy and diverse diet.
Limited ability to chew can affect your physical health. You can no longer relish certain foods, some of which may be essential to your health. Your diet can end up being restricted to soft foods that are easy to chew. The bone where the lost tooth once sat can begin to deteriorate, causing the structure of your jaw to weaken.
Periodontal disease – more commonly known as gum disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss among American adults. It is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Gum disease can be treated, but it will not resolve on its own. When mouth bacteria aren’t removed, they multiply, flourish, and will start to affect the gums, causing gum infections. Early intervention by your Periodontal dentist in Okemos, MI, can successfully keep gum disease from leading to more severe oral health problems, including tooth loss. Â
Causes of Tooth Loss
The following factors can result in the loss of one or more teeth:
- Periodontal disease (gum disease)
- Poor Dental Hygiene
- Dental trauma caused by injuries
- Jawbones losing density and weakening can cause teeth to loosen and even fall out in severe cases (Osteoporosis)
- Smoking and chewing tobaccoÂ
- Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
- Age
Why Is It Important To See A Dentist After A Tooth Loss?
If you have lost a tooth, it is very important that you see a dentist in Okemos, MI as soon as possible. Losing a tooth as an adult involves more than cosmetic dentistry; it’s a dental emergency.
After the loss of a tooth, the surrounding teeth will begin to move into the space left behind, creating more gaps for harmful plaque to build up and grow. Having a missing tooth also puts more pressure on the surrounding teeth when chewing.
Plaque can also result in gum infections that can contribute to the loss of more teeth.
Tooth loss can also alter the profile of your face.
At Schaefer Dental Group, our dental professionals are experts at restorative dental care and offer high-quality multiple teeth replacements in Okemos, MI.
After asking you questions and carrying out a full assessment of the damage, we will recommend which option we feel will work best for your lifestyle.
Effective And Durable Options For Missing TeethÂ
Our Okemos dental office has numerous options for replacing a missing tooth. If you have a tooth that has been removed due to decay or knocked out in an accident, we can perform a customized procedure to replace it so you can regain the appearance and functionality of your smile.
Options we might recommend include:Â
Dental ImplantsÂ
Dental implants look, feel, and behave like natural tooth. A titanium post is implanted underneath the gums to secure it to the jawbone. Over the next few months, the titanium and bone will fuse to create a new root system that is as strong as the original. An implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth. It is important to note that this is a surgical procedure and takes longer than other options.Â
Bridges
A bridge is created by securing a dental crown to the two teeth adjacent to the missing one. As the name suggests, a wire and false teeth bridge the gap created by a missing tooth.
A bridge is a durable, non-surgical solution to replace a missing tooth because it is firmly attached. It is a much-preferred alternative to dentures. Bridges are less invasive than dental implants.
Dentures
Dentures closely resemble natural teeth and even enhance your smile. There are two types of dentures – a complete set of dentures or partial dentures.Â
Partial dentures are recommended when some natural teeth remain. They usually require the use of a metal piece to which a pink-colored base is attached. The metal helps to anchor the false teeth to the natural teeth to prevent movement.
Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing. Wearing dentures can be a different experience compared to natural teeth or implants. As they are not anchored in the bone, dentures can move while chewing, speaking, and smiling, causing mouth sores or embarrassing social situations.Â
Dental Restorations To Give You A Healthy And Functional Smile In Okemos MI
Schaefer Dental Group provides the residents of Okemos, MI, and the surrounding communities with high-quality teeth replacement treatments. Our dental professionals take the time to understand your situation, explain your options in detail, and find the perfect solution to fit your needs. Call and schedule an appointment with our Okemos dentist office today to learn more about dental options for replacing missing teeth.
