Replacing Missing Teeth Charlotte NC Many dental offices like ours are multidisciplinary practices. This means that our team consists of general dentists to look after your everyday dental needs, as well as our specialist oral surgeons whose expertise is required for more complex cases.Oral surgeons may work in a clinic setting, or at an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit in a hospital. You may be referred to an oral surgeon for a variety of problems, including teeth extractions, dental implants, corrective jaw surgery, TMJ problems, or facial trauma. At Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery we are trained to perform oral surgery procedures to care for your oral health. Replacement Teeth CharlotteOne of the most common issues our dentists and oral surgeons treat patients for is missing teeth. You may have missing teeth due to an accident, from playing contact sports, or as a result of poor oral hygiene and gum disease. Whatever the reason for missing teeth, as oral surgeons, we specialize in helping our patients have healthy gums, teeth, and smiles. How Can Missing Teeth Be Replaced?Missing teeth can be replaced using a partial or full denture, bridges, implant supported bridges, or dental implants. Dental implants can replace a single tooth, multiple teeth, or a full arch of teeth. Damaged teeth can be repaired with fillings, crowns, and veneers. The type of tooth replacement or repair that you require will depend on the location of the tooth, the severity of damage to the tooth, as well as how many teeth you are missing. It is Important to Replace Missing Teeth Right AwayIf you find yourself missing teeth, it is important for your oral health to have the tooth replaced right away. One common misconception is that if you have only a single missing tooth, it doesn't matter, especially if it is a tooth that is not visible to others. This could not be further from the truth. Jawbone DeteriorationMissing teeth quickly cause deterioration of the jawbone, because the tooth is no longer there to stimulate the jawbone or the action of chewing. This will result in a sunken appearance in your face and cheeks. Jawbone deterioration happens at a rate of 25% bone loss in just one year, so time is of the essence when it comes to tooth replacement. Difficulty ChewingAlong with jawbone deterioration, eating and chewing becomes more difficult when you have any missing teeth. You will find yourself chewing on the other side of your mouth to try to compensate for the gap that is now in your mouth. This makes eating your favorite foods harder to do, and eating meals a more frustrating experience. Tooth MisalignmentHaving any gaps in your teeth will cause your remaining teeth to move and shift into the empty space. While this may not sound like a bad idea, it is not a magic fix for straightening your teeth. There is no way to determine how your teeth will move, whether at an angle, or to crowd into other teeth. It is best to avoid this, especially if you have had orthodontia work in the past, as these teeth shifting will undo all of that hard work.. Increased Risk of Gum DiseaseThe risk of developing gum disease is greater when there are empty spaces, or pockets, in between your teeth and in your gums. These are easy areas for food particles and plaque to hide and grow. Gum disease can quickly develop, causing your gums to recede, bleed, and pull away from your existing teeth. Having missing teeth leads to a cascading effect of oral hygiene and dental problems. Dental Implants Can Replace Missing TeethOur team believes that dental implants are the best solution when it comes to replacing missing teeth, be it one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth. Dental implants are made out of titanium. This is a strong material that works well with the body, and does not cause metal allergies, as some other metals can. Dental implants prevent jawbone resorption. Because the implant posts are surgically placed directly into your jawbone, they become the new tooth root. It can take several months for the implant post to fuse with your jawbone, but once this fusing, otherwise known as osseointegration, occurs, the implant will become a permanent part of your oral dentition. On top of the dental implant post, a connector is placed, which holds the dental crown. The crown is the visible part of the new tooth. The dental crown resembles your natural teeth and will blend in with the rest of the teeth in your mouth. It will be created to be the same size, shape, and color as your other teeth. Because of how the dental implant is created, it will now look and function like a real tooth. The Many Benefits of Dental ImplantsDental implants offer a permanent solution to tooth loss. The lifespan of dental implants is up to 25 years, with a 95% success rate. After several years, the dental crown may need to be replaced, but otherwise, all of the components of the implant will remain intact. Dental implants are very easy to maintain. Unlike dentures or bridges, which require removing, soaking, and cleaning with special soaps and adhesives, dental implants can be treated like your regular teeth. All you need to do is continue to maintain healthy oral hygiene habits of brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day. Ask our dentist about the benefits of using mouthwash as well. It is important to maintain regular visits to the dentist every six months, so we can do a dental exam and cleaning on your teeth and check how your dental implant is doing. Dental Implants at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial SurgeryIf you are ready to replace your missing teeth, we are here and ready to help. Choose a board-certified oral surgeon at Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery for peace of mind to help replace your missing teeth. Call our team at (980) 332-7990 to make an appointment. |
