Have you lost a tooth from an accident or decay? Gaps in your smile can affect your bite function and how you speak and chew. Lost teeth can also affect the way your smile looks, which might make you feel less confident. A complete, healthy smile plays an essential role in how you express yourself and interact with others. We treat missing teeth in our Annapolis, MD, dental office for a more functional and beautiful smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Replacing a missing tooth isn’t just about restoring the esthetics of your smile. Once a tooth is lost, it sets off a chain reaction in the mouth. The bone that once supported the tooth begins to deteriorate. Neighboring teeth will shift into the open space. As time goes by, these problems only worsen, which makes replacement options more difficult and expensive.
Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely, and Associates can effectively replace lost teeth without visiting multiple specialists or dentist offices. Learn about your tooth replacement options below.
Annapolis Dentist For Treatment of Missing Teeth
Few dentists in Annapolis can offer the same level of care and range of options for missing teeth that you can expect from Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely, and Associates. We have an on-site, state-of-the-art dental laboratory in our Annapolis office to provide quick and precise dental restorations. Our office can fabricate crowns to restore dental implants, dental bridges, and cosmetic dentures.
Our dentists are highly trained and experienced in implant dentistry. We work with a local oral surgeon to place implants and complete the restoration in our Annapolis dental office with high-quality materials.
What Are My Options For Missing Teeth in Annapolis, MD?
A variety of options are available for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your specific condition and make recommendations for the best long-term results. We aim to restore your smile to its natural function with optimal health and aesthetics.
Dental Implants
One of the best solutions for one or more lost teeth is a dental implant. An affordable dental implant is the most tooth-like restoration and replaces the lost tooth’s root. Dental implants have a success rate of higher than 95% and are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
The cost of dental implants is one of the biggest concerns patients have. While dental implants do tend to be more expensive initially than alternative treatments, they require the least amount of dental work in the future. While no dental restoration is 100% guaranteed, patients with dental implants often need very little maintenance or additional costs.
Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures have been used for centuries to replace missing teeth. Today’s dentures look and feel more natural than ever before. Our Annapolis dental office also offers implant-supported dentures, often called “All-on-4” or “Teeth-in-a-Day.”
This type of denture requires as few as four dental implants to permanently fix an upper or lower denture. Implant dentures offer better retention and long-term benefits compared to traditional removable dentures.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth. It fills the gap with an artificial tooth or teeth, called pontics. The bridge is held in place by the natural teeth or dental implants next to the gap. We recommend implant-supported bridges because they do not require tooth preparation for your natural teeth.
A dental bridge not only improves the way your smile looks but also helps you chew and speak. Our dentists offer several dental bridges to fit your needs, cosmetic goals, and budget.
Missing Teeth FAQs
We welcome you to learn more about missing teeth in Annapolis, MD, with answers to these common questions:
What causes missing teeth?
You can lose teeth for many reasons:
- Dental infections
- Gum disease
- Congenital missing teeth
- Dental injuries
If you’ve lost a tooth for any reason, visit our dentist. We may recommend implants, bridges, or dentures. These options can ensure a healthy bite,
What is the most affordable way to replace missing teeth?
A dental bridge is often the most affordable way to replace missing teeth. This false tooth that fills the gap left by a lost tooth. It is supported by the teeth on either side of the gap. Another affordable choice is removable dentures, which can replace multiple missing teeth.
While removable dentures and traditional bridges are less costly than implant restorations, implants last longer. We will find the best option that fits your budget.
Is a dental implant painful?
No, we will numb the nerves that surround the dental implant site with local anesthetic. You shouldn’t feel discomfort during dental implant treatment. While pressure could occasionally feel uncomfortable, it should not hurt. After the procedure, you may feel some minor discomfort, but this should only last a few days.
Can one missing tooth change your face?
The shape of your face will change if you have one or more missing teeth. Your remaining teeth will shift to fill the gap themselves the longer you wait to replace your lost teeth. Missing teeth alter jaw alignment. This can alter the appearance of your facial features, especially those around your jaw, cheeks, and smile.
What happens if a missing tooth isn’t replaced?
If a missing tooth isn’t replaced, the nearby teeth can move into the empty space over time. This shifting can cause teeth to become crowded and misaligned. The shifting teeth can put extra pressure on your gums and the remaining teeth. This added pressure may lead to pain and increase the risk of further dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay.
Are dental implants worth it?
Yes. While implants may seem like a big investment, they are worth it. Because they use high-quality materials, implants often cost more than removable dentures and traditional bridges. Dental implants require surgery to replace missing teeth at the root.
Successful implant surgery ensures that the posts are permanent. Because implants restore tooth roots, they prevent shifting teeth, jaw bone loss, and infections. Implants also ensure other restorations, like bridges and dentures, last for years.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Annapolis Dentists
Don’t hide your smile because of lost teeth. Find out what your teeth replacement options are with a consultation and dental exam. Schedule a consultation with Lee, Bonfiglio, Vesely, and Associates to learn about replacing missing teeth in Annapolis, MD.
We will find which options are best for you. Call (410) 268-5503 or request an appointment online.
