New beginnings look different for everyone. Whether you’re making smarter life choices or embracing a healthier lifestyle, turning the page to start a new chapter can be a rewarding experience. While we often associate diet and exercise with healthier living, dental health is also crucial to our overall well-being. This is especially true for those experiencing tooth loss, as missing teeth can impact your nutrition, confidence, and long-term health.
If you’re missing one or more teeth, you’re not alone—about 178 million Americans are in the same situation. With such a high demand for reliable tooth replacement options, it’s important to understand the risks of missing teeth and the solutions available. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or an entire set, exploring your options is key to protecting both your dental and overall health.
How Missing Teeth Impact Oral Health
Missing one or more teeth can lead to various oral health issues. When you lose a tooth, both the visible crown and the supporting root are lost. Tooth roots provide essential stimulation to the jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. Unfortunately, this stimulation stops when a tooth is lost, causing the jawbone to deteriorate over time. As the bone resorbs, it can change the shape of your face, leading to a sunken appearance and premature aging.
Beyond altering your appearance, tooth loss can impact your bite. The adjacent teeth will shift toward the gap left by a missing tooth, leading to misalignment and bite problems. Bite problems, also known as malocclusion, can complicate your ability to chew and speak easily. Altered bite alignment due to missing teeth can also lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD). TMD is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints and the muscles controlling jaw movement.
In addition, tooth loss increases your risk of infections. Because missing teeth leave a gap, there is more space for bacteria to accumulate, potentially causing periodontal disease (gum disease).
All of these issues can significantly impact your quality of life and overall confidence. From function to aesthetics, dental health issues make life more challenging than it needs to be. At Utah Denture and Implant Center, Dr. Ruedi Tillmann offers several tooth replacement options to complete your smile!
Tooth Replacement Options for Missing Teeth
One of the most common tooth replacement options is dentures. Dentures are a tried-and-true, economical solution. Although a popular choice, traditional dentures have some drawbacks. For one, they’re not as long-lasting as other solutions for missing teeth. Over time, they can become loose and uncomfortable, and they may even slip or fall out when you eat or speak. Additionally, their instability can lead to sore spots and soft tissue irritation. The good news is that Dr. Tillmann offers traditional dental implants and mini dental implants as alternatives to dentures.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are durable titanium posts that Dr. Tillmann places in the jawbone. Through a process called osseointegration, the implants fuse with the bone to function like natural tooth roots. While traditional implants are a reliable option, mini implants often offer distinct advantages. Their smaller size allows for a less invasive procedure, resulting in minimal discomfort and a faster recovery.
Ideal for patients with reduced bone density, mini implants can often eliminate the need for bone grafting. They are also a more cost-effective solution, requiring fewer materials and a simpler procedure. Despite their compact design, mini implants provide exceptional strength, making them suitable for various restorations, from single dental crowns to full dentures.
Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures offer significant advantages over traditional dentures. These prosthetics are anchored to your jaw with dental implants, ensuring a stable and long-lasting fit. This strong foundation enhances comfort and functionality, whether you need partial or full dentures. No matter how many teeth you’re missing, we have a solution tailored for you!
Dental Bridges
Dental implants can also support a dental bridge. Simply put, a dental bridge “bridges” the gap left by a missing tooth or teeth. It’s important to note that not all dental bridges use dental implants. A traditional bridge, for example, relies on two healthy teeth on either side of the gap for support. On the other hand, an implant bridge connects to dental implants for the best stability and function.
We offer several types of dental bridges to suit your specific needs. If you’re unsure which option is best, Dr. Tillmann will walk you through the details during your consultation.
Are You Missing Teeth? Book a Consultation With Dr. Tillmann!
If you’re ready for a healthier life and better teeth, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Tillmann offers several tooth replacement options to give you the stable and confident foundation you need to thrive. Whether you need stabilized dentures or a dental bridge, we provide effective solutions tailored to your needs. For a thorough assessment, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Together, we can turn the page to the next chapter. Let’s make this one worth smiling about!
