Missing Teeth Repair - Glendale, AZ

How Glendale Dental Smiles Can Help Replace Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity for many people. Not only can missing teeth affect your appearance and self-confidence, but they can also lead to various health problems if left untreated. Explore the various causes of missing teeth and the treatment options available for repairing or replacing missing teeth.

Causes of Missing Teeth

One of the most common causes of missing teeth is tooth decay. When bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel of the teeth, it can lead to cavities and, eventually, tooth loss. This can happen as a result of poor oral hygiene, excessive sugar consumption, or a lack of regular dental care.

Another cause of missing teeth is gum disease. This condition, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when bacteria in the mouth infect the gums and cause them to become inflamed. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss as the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating gaps and pockets that allow bacteria to enter and cause further damage.

Trauma to the mouth can also lead to missing teeth. This can happen as a result of a sports injury, a fall, or any other type of accident that causes the teeth to be knocked out or broken. In some cases, teeth may need to be extracted if they are too damaged to be repaired.

Genetics can also play a role in missing teeth. Some people may be born with missing teeth or may develop missing teeth due to genetic conditions such as periodontitis or tooth decay.

Missing Teeth Replacement Options

Regardless of the cause, missing teeth can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. In addition to affecting your appearance and self-confidence, missing teeth can also lead to problems with chewing and speaking. Missing teeth can also cause other teeth to shift out of alignment, leading to further dental problems.

Fortunately, there are a range of treatment options available for repairing or replacing missing teeth. These options include:

Dental implants

Dental implants are small titanium screws that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once the implants have healed, artificial teeth are attached to the implants to restore the appearance and function of natural teeth.

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Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a type of dental appliance used to replace missing teeth. A bridge is typically made of porcelain and is attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. The artificial teeth, known as pontics, are then attached to the bridge and cemented into place.

Dental bridges are a popular treatment option for replacing missing teeth because they are relatively affordable and can be completed in just a few dental visits. Bridges are also strong and durable, and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance.

There are several different types of dental bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bridges. Traditional bridges are the most common type and are composed of an artificial tooth (or teeth) suspended between two crowns that are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but they only have crowns on one side of the artificial tooth (or teeth). Maryland bridges, on the other hand, are attached to the natural teeth using metal or porcelain framework and do not require the use of crowns.

While dental bridges can be a highly effective treatment for missing teeth, it is important to keep in mind that they are not suitable for everyone. In order to be a candidate for a dental bridge, you must have healthy teeth on either side of the gap left by the missing tooth (or teeth) to support the bridge. You must also have good oral health overall, and your gums must be free of infection and inflammation.

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that are used to replace missing teeth. Dentures are typically made of acrylic and are custom-fitted to the wearer's mouth.

There are two main types of dentures: full dentures and partial dentures. Full dentures are used to replace all of the teeth on the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures are used to replace only some of the teeth.

Full dentures are typically recommended for individuals who are missing all of their natural teeth on the upper or lower jaw. These dentures are made of acrylic and are custom-fitted to the wearer's mouth. Full dentures are designed to be removable, and they are held in place using suction or a combination of suction and dental adhesive.

One of the main advantages of full dentures is that they can help to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth. Dentures can help to improve the wearer's ability to speak and chew, and they can also help to maintain the proper alignment of the teeth and jaw.

One of the main challenges of wearing full dentures is that they can take some time to get used to. It is common for individuals who are new to wearing dentures to experience some discomfort and difficulty speaking and eating at first. However, with time and practice, most people are able to adjust to their dentures and wear them comfortably.

In order to ensure the long-term success of full dentures, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments. It is also important to remove the dentures at night and to soak them in a cleaning solution to remove bacteria and plaque.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are a type of dental appliance used to replace some of the missing teeth. Partial dentures are similar to full dentures, but they only replace some of the teeth. Partial dentures are typically recommended for individuals who are missing several teeth but still have some healthy, natural teeth remaining.

Partial dentures are typically made of acrylic and are custom-fitted to the wearer's mouth. They are attached to the remaining natural teeth using a metal framework that fits around the teeth. The artificial teeth on the denture are then attached to the framework to fill the gaps left by the missing teeth.

One of the main advantages of partial dentures is that they can help to restore the appearance and function of missing teeth. Partial dentures can improve the wearer's ability to speak and chew, and they can also help to maintain the proper alignment of the teeth and jaw.

Another advantage of partial dentures is that they are removable, which makes them easy to clean and maintain. It is important to remove the dentures at night and to soak them in a cleaning solution to remove bacteria and plaque.

One of the main challenges of wearing partial dentures is that they can take some time to get used to. It is common for individuals who are new to wearing dentures to experience some discomfort and difficulty speaking and eating at first. However, with time and practice, most people are able to adjust to their dentures and wear them comfortably.

In order to ensure the long-term success of partial dentures, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments. The dentist will also need to monitor the health of the remaining natural teeth to ensure that they are strong enough to support the dentures.

Ready to replace your missing tooth or teeth?

Missing teeth can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity for many people. Whether caused by tooth decay, gum disease, trauma, or genetics, missing teeth can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are a range of treatment options available for repairing or replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, bridges, dentures, partial dentures, and dental bonding.

If you are missing teeth and are looking for a solution, give our practice a call today to explore your options and find a solution that fits your needs and budget!

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