Missing teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. Untreated missing teeth can begin to affect the quality of your life and cause oral and systemic health problems. If you are missing one tooth or missing all of your teeth, you need to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Dr. Roham Rafat, DDS, MS of Valley Dental Health, is one of the most highly trained periodontists in the Baltimore area. Dr. Rafat offers complete implant dentistry services in our office without the need for you to see multiple specialists. He also treats additional dental concerns in Hunt Valley and Cockeysville, Maryland.
How Do Missing Teeth Impact Health?
Missing teeth can negatively impact your speech, nutrition, and oral hygiene. Left untreated, missing teeth increase your risk of developing dental and systemic health concerns. Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, jaw recession, additional missing teeth, shifting teeth, and an increased risk of tooth decay.
Patients with missing teeth also have an increased risk of developing gum disease, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation. Replacing your missing teeth can restore the function, health, and beauty of your smile.
Replacing Missing Teeth at Valley Dental Health
Our Cockeysville dentist’s office provides options for replacing missing teeth. We will tailor your treatment plan to your personal oral health, cosmetic goals, budget, and lifestyle. Your Valley Dental Health dentist will conduct a thorough oral health exam to determine which missing tooth replacement option will offer you optimal oral health.
Whenever possible, your dentist may recommend the use of dental implants for their longevity, stability, and natural look and feel. Valley Dental Health offers:
Dental Implants vs. Dentures Hunt Valley, MD
Dental implants are the most natural missing tooth replacement option. Implants provide patients with a permanent dental restoration for a stable oral foundation.
While dentures still provide patients with a viable replacement option for missing teeth, dental implants provide more structural support and long-term oral health benefits. We can use dental implants to secure a permanent denture. Other benefits include:
- 98% success rate
- Helps to avoid bone loss and gum recession associated with tooth loss
- Restores proper chewing
- Avoids damage to surrounding teeth
- Improves speech
- Increases comfort
- Helps promote long-term facial integrity
Sedation Dentistry
Many patients forgo replacing their missing teeth if they have a fear of the dentist. If you suffer from dental anxiety, we can help. Valley Dental Health provides sedation dentistry for our your comfort and ease.
Sedation dentistry provides more of an all-over euphoric effect to not only control pain in the treatment area but also calm anxiety and fear. We offer IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide. Ask your Valley Dental Health dentist which form of sedation is right for you.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about missing teeth? We’re here to help. Read answers to popular questions our patients have about missing teeth in Timonium and Hunt Valley, MD.
Can missing teeth cause problems?
Missing teeth can cause a variety of health problems. It puts patients at a higher risk for gum disease. Gum disease can lead to a variety of overall health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. If you’re missing teeth, we recommend treatment to prevent future complications.
How do missing teeth cause jaw bone loss?
When you lose a tooth, the part of your jawbone that used to hold that tooth no longer gets the pressure and stimulation from chewing. Your bone needs this kind of regular activity to stay strong. Without it, the bone slowly starts to shrink and get weaker. Over time, this can change the shape of your jaw and affect your other teeth. Bone loss can even make it harder to wear dentures or get implants.
Can losing back teeth change the shape of your face?
Loss of teeth can change the shape of your face. This can result in changing someone’s overall appearance. It may also cause facial sagging. Even missing a single tooth changes the balance of your jaw and results in an uneven bone structure.
Will replacing missing teeth improve my oral hygiene?
Yes. Replacing missing teeth can improve your oral hygiene. When you have gaps, the teeth around them can shift, creating hard-to-reach spaces where food and bacteria can build up. These areas are harder to clean, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
By replacing missing teeth with implants, bridges, or dentures, your teeth stay properly aligned. This makes brushing and flossing easier and more effective, helping you keep your mouth healthy and reducing your risk of future dental problems.
Can missing teeth affect my bite or jaw pain?
Yes. You can experience shifting teeth after you lose a tooth. This shifting can throw off the balance of your bite and make it harder for your upper and lower teeth to fit together properly.
An uneven bite can put extra pressure on certain teeth and strain your jaw muscles. Over time, this may lead to jaw discomfort, headaches, or even problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Replacing missing teeth helps keep your bite balanced and prevents pain or tension in your jaw.
Can you talk with missing teeth?
Teeth are a large part of our ability to speak. Without them, some sounds and letters may be more difficult to pronounce. Many patients with missing teeth can have a hard time pronouncing “ch” or “th” sounds.
Your speech is also dependent on the teeth that are missing. Some may have a greater impact than others.
Are dentures the only option to replace missing teeth?
No, while dentures are a common and affordable choice, we offer other options that may work better for your needs. Dental bridges and implants are also effective ways to restore your smile. Bridges use nearby teeth for support, while implants are placed directly in your jawbone to act like natural tooth roots. Dr. Rafat can help you decide which option is best for your oral health, budget, and lifestyle.
Do I need a tooth extraction before I replace missing teeth?
You may need a tooth extraction before replacing missing teeth if you still have a damaged or decayed tooth that can’t be saved. Removing the unhealthy tooth helps protect the rest of your mouth and makes space for your new restoration. If your tooth is already missing, you usually won’t need an extraction. We’ll examine your mouth and take X-rays to see if any teeth need to be removed before treatment.
Schedule a Dental Exam
If you’re missing teeth, contact our Hunt Valley dental office at 443-733-6613. You can also request an appointment online.
Learn more about how our comprehensive and personalized dental care can help you restore your confidence and health. We provide in-house comprehensive dental implant services for the convenience of our patients and quality results.
Join us as we welcome new patients from Timonium, Cockeysville, Lutherville, Phoenix, Sparks, and the surrounding neighborhoods of Baltimore County.