Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth

Restore Missing Teeth in Asheville, North CarolinaMany patients visit our Asheville, NC dentist office looking to learn more about their restorative dentistry options to replace missing teeth. We offer a wide range of tooth replacement options to meet the needs of your unique smile. Dr. Rebol and Dr. Sparks are known for providing compassionate and comprehensive care to all of our patients including those who have suffered from tooth loss. Learn more about why you should replace missing teeth sooner rather than later:

Cosmetic Concerns

When you are missing one or more teeth, your smile may look a little different than it used to. As a result, you might find yourself avoiding laughing, smiling, or speaking in public settings. People who feel confident with the cosmetic appearance of their smiles are more likely to succeed both personally and professionally. This is why we are happy to address cosmetic concerns so that you don’t have to feel the need to hide your smile any longer. Additionally, if you are missing a tooth, your other teeth are more likely to shift into an undesirable position to make up for the extra space within your smile. When this happens, if you’ve previously undergone orthodontic work, it could erase years of work you’ve done to maintain a straighter smile. Tooth replacement options like dental bridges or dental implants will help fill in the gaps created by missing teeth and restore the cosmetic balance of your smile.

Functionality Concerns

Your teeth, gums, and jawbone are all meant to work together when performing daily tasks like chewing or speaking. If you are missing one or more teeth, this affects your smile’s ability to perform these tasks. Missing teeth put extra strain on your surrounding dental structures and can lead to further dental damages. Because your other dental structures have to compensate for your missing tooth, you could begin to develop jaw pain, tension headaches, or earaches caused by this added strain. Additionally, missing teeth increase your risk for gum disease progression and tooth decay development because they create new gaps within your smile for bacteria and food residue to hide behind. By replacing a missing tooth sooner rather than later, you will be helping your smile restore its functionality while also preventing future costly dental concerns.

Know Your Options

When it comes to tooth replacement, there are several options to consider. Our office treats patients with missing teeth using either dental bridges or dental implants. Dental bridges rely on the external support of your surrounding teeth to hold a prosthetic tooth in the space of the missing tooth. Dental implants involve a surgical procedure in which a titanium post is inserted beneath your soft tissues. Once fully healed, this post will support a prosthetic tooth just as your tooth roots support your natural tooth. If you are unsure which tooth replacement option is right for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our restorative dentists. They will ensure that you are informed on all of your options and give you a treatment plan that best meets your needs. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.