restore-your-missing-tooth

You may not realize how important having a complete smile and the impact it has on your daily life really is even though missing teeth can create a variety of challenges in performing everyday tasks, affecting not only oral function but also one’s self-confidence. Dr. Caye and his team’s dedication to providing effective tooth replacement options demonstrates our commitment to helping patients regain their smiles and overall quality of life.

Exploring tooth replacement options is essential when keeping natural teeth isn’t feasible. Here’s a breakdown of the options we offer at Premier Dental in Lee’s Summit to help restore your missing tooth:

  1. Implants: Dental implants are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. They consist of a titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone, providing a strong foundation for a dental crown. Implants mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth and can last for many years with proper care.

  2. Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They come in various forms, including partial dentures for a few missing teeth or complete dentures for an entire arch. Dentures can improve chewing and speech while restoring your smile.

  3. Implant-Supported Dentures: These dentures are anchored to dental implants, providing extra stability and reducing the risk of slippage. Implant-supported dentures are particularly beneficial for patients who want a secure and comfortable option.

We provide personalized care that addresses each patient’s unique situation by helping them choose the most suitable tooth replacement option based on their needs and smile goals.

Simple activities can greatly impact an individual’s overall well-being, such as the importance of smiling, eating, and speaking with confidence. A healthy and strong smile contributes to self-esteem, social interactions, and overall comfort.

Our commitment to ensuring that our patients have strong and healthy smiles aligns perfectly with our holistic approach to dental care. By offering effective tooth replacement solutions and focusing on personalized patient care, we’re contributing to our patients’ overall quality of life and well-being.

 

FAQ: Restore Your Missing Tooth

We believe that knowledge is power; therefore, we are providing answers to frequently asked questions about missing tooth restoration that our patients have asked us to help you make informed decisions about your oral health and understand the available options.

Here are some example frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to missing tooth restoration, along with their corresponding answers:

Q1: What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

A: We offer several options, including dental implants, dentures, and implant-supported dentures. The best option for you depends on factors like your oral health, budget, and personal preferences.

Q2: What is a dental implant?

A: A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It provides a strong foundation for a replacement tooth (crown) and mimics the look and function of a natural tooth.

Q3: Are dental implants a permanent solution?

A: Dental implants are designed to be a long-lasting solution. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for many years, often a lifetime.

Q4: What are dentures?

A: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that replace missing teeth. Partial dentures replace a few missing teeth, while complete dentures replace an entire arch of teeth.

Q5: How do implant-supported dentures work?

A: Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants for added stability. This option is especially beneficial for patients who want a secure fit and improved comfort.

Q6: How long does the restoration process take?

A: The duration varies based on the chosen option. Dental implant treatment can take a few months, including healing time. Dentures can typically be fitted within a few appointments.

Q7: Will my new teeth look natural?

A: Yes, our tooth replacement options are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Dental crowns, dentures, and implant-supported options are all customized to match your natural smile.

Q8: How should I care for my restored teeth?

A: Regular oral hygiene practices like brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential. Dental implants and dentures have specific care instructions that our team will provide.

Q9: Will the restoration process be painful?

A: Our team takes steps to ensure your comfort throughout the process. Dental procedures are usually performed under local anesthesia, and post-operative discomfort is generally manageable.

Q10: How do I know which option is right for me?

A: Our experienced team will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable option based on your individual needs and preferences.

Q11: Why should I replace missing teeth?

A. Our patients always realize that a missing tooth affects their appearance; however, that’s not the only reason we should discuss options to restore your missing tooth. Here are 3 main reasons:

  1. Your appearance.
  2. The gap left by a missing tooth can mean more strain is put on the teeth at either side.
  3. A gap can also mean your ‘bite’ is affected, because the teeth next to the space can lean into the gap and change the way the upper and lower teeth bite together. This can lead to food getting packed into the gap, which causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Q12: What happens if I don’t replace my missing tooth quickly?

A. When a tooth is lost, the bone that used to support it disappears quickly. This leads to:

  • shifting teeth
  • tooth trauma
  • periodontal disease
  • aging of facial features
  • unnatural gums around a future tooth replacement
  • lack of bone support for future tooth replacement

We hope these FAQs can serve as a starting point for providing valuable information for you about missing tooth restoration. 

 

Missing Teeth: Tooth Replacement Options Explained

There are two big considerations to keep in mind:

  1. This depends on the number of teeth missing and where they are in your mouth.
  2. The condition of the remaining teeth also affects the decision.

There are three main ways to restore your missing tooth: dental implant, bridge or dentures:

  1. Dental Implant: an artificial root is placed into the bone of the jaw and a crown or bridge is placed on top.
  2. Partial or Full Denture: removable false tooth (or teeth).
  3. Implant-Supported Dentures: An implant-supported denture is an oral appliance that replaces several teeth at once. It’s similar to a traditional denture. But instead of resting on top of your gums, an implant-supported denture attaches directly to your jawbone using dental implants.

Let’s explain dental implant, dentures, and implant-supported dentures in a little more depth …

 

Restore Your Missing Tooth with Dental Implants

Dental implants act like artificial roots that can be permanently placed in the patient’s jawbone. As the gum tissue and bone grow around the dental implant, they become permanent anchors. A natural-looking porcelain crown will be made giving our patients a beautifully finished result that is attractive, yet helps to improve chewing, maintain bone, and prevent teeth from changing positions. Dental implants can even prevent future problems with a patient’s bite.

Dental implants offer a permanent replacement for missing teeth and an effective solution that will look and feel as natural as your original teeth.

Dental Implant Process:

Dental implants can fix multiple teeth, a single tooth, or a full set of teeth – so the options are plentiful, making dental implants a popular option for replacement. Implants require three major steps to consider and can take a series of visits to our office to fully complete the process:

  1. Surgical implant placement
  2. Healing from the surgical placement of the implant(s)/temporary teeth placement
  3. Replacement of any missing teeth with crowns

While the process may sound extensive, the benefits of dental implants are many.

Dental Implant Benefits:

  • Look and act like natural teeth
  • Durable, long-lasting
  • Feel strong and stable
  • Help preserve bone tissue and bone
  • Allow you to brush and floss normally

Learn More about Dental Implants HERE.

Related Article: Are You a Dental Implant Candidate for Missing Tooth Replacement?

 

Restore Your Missing Tooth with Dentures

We fit dentures to replace all or some of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. Dentures improve your confidence when you smile, as well as the clarity of your speech and your ability to chew. Modern dentures provide a firm hold and natural appearance to ensure maximum comfort and function.

  • Partial Denture: This is a plate with one or more false teeth on it. It may be all plastic or a mixture of metal and plastic. Both types may have clips (clasps) to help keep the denture in place in your mouth. Depending on where they are, some of these clips may show when you smile or open your mouth.
  • Full Denture: Full dentures are a set of custom-made removable replacements for missing teeth. Usually, they require all the teeth in the upper and/or lower half of the mouth to be removed; after removal, the gums must heal over before the dentures can be fitted.

The keyword is: “REMOVABLE“ …

Unlike dental implants and implant-supported dentures, traditional partial or full dentures are removable (not permanently implanted into your mouth). We have a lot of patients who choose Dentures because they can be a quick, non-invasive, and more affordable fix to missing teeth.

If you’re experiencing tooth loss from gum disease, injury, or tooth decay, dentures can help your appearance and smile and restore your ability to speak and eat.

Learn More about Dentures HERE.

 

Restore Your Missing Tooth with Implant-Supported Dentures

While implant-supported dentures are like traditional dentures, the difference lies in the use of implants for retention instead of adhesive. The implant can reduce the bulkiness of traditional dentures and give more space for the tongue.

This means that the ability to taste food with implant-supported dentures will be greatly enhanced. They’re also sturdier and there’s no need for any adhesive at any time because the dentures are so well supported by the implants. This helps preserve bone, tissue, and muscle tone in the face as well to maintain a more youthful appearance.

Learn More about Implant Supported Dentures HERE.

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Premier Dental Can Restore Your Smile and Your Confidence

If you’re uncertain about which tooth replacement option – dental implants, dentures, or implant-supported dentures – is the right fit for restoring your missing tooth and bringing back your smile, we invite you to schedule a Smile Consultation appointment with Dr. Caye and his skilled team in the Lee’s Summit area. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan when it comes to tooth replacement. That’s why, after a comprehensive examination and a thoughtful discussion about your smile aspirations, we’ll work together to create a personalized treatment plan that caters to your unique needs, effectively restoring both your smile and your confidence.

Dr. Stephan Caye and his friendly, experienced team at Premier Dental offer affordable family dentistry and gentle dental care in the Lee’s Summit, MO area. Our office is conveniently located off of Highway 50 and SE Blue Parkway. We offer appointment times Monday through Friday to meet your needs. At Premier Dental, we provide most dental services, from family and general dentistry to specialty procedures, including dental implants, dentures, endodontic or root canal treatment, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care and much more. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Please call us at (816) 600-6330 to schedule an appointment.