Missing Teeth

What happens during my first appointment for missing teeth?

Whether you lose one, several, or all of your teeth, the team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates can assess your case and discuss options with you to replace them. You might lose teeth because of aging, an injury, or a disease. No matter the situation, replacing your teeth allows you to speak clearly and eat the foods you love without discomfort or difficulty. 

During your consultation appointment, the team performs a quick exam. They might also use a digital X-ray to create a detailed image of your teeth above and below the gumline. 

X-ray assists the team in determining whether or not you need a bone graft before getting dental implants. The team helps you identify specific goals for your treatment, review treatment options, and answers your questions about your missing teeth and the treatments available. 

What are some potential complications of missing teeth?

Missing teeth can affect your oral health and the functioning of your mouth. If you lose teeth, you might experience the following complications as a result:

• Bone loss in your jaw
• Healthy teeth drifting or moving into the gap
• Changing facial shape
• Trouble speaking clearly
• Trouble chewing
• A higher risk for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues
• Lower self-esteem from an incomplete smile

If you already have issues related to your missing teeth, like bone loss or drifting teeth, the team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates helps you explore additional treatment options. Specific treatments, like bone grafts and sinus lifts, can help prepare you to replace your missing teeth permanently. 

What are my options to replace missing teeth?

Silicon Valley Dental Associates offers many options to complete your smile after you lose teeth. Depending on your current level of oral health, the number of teeth you’re missing, and other factors, the team might recommend:

Individual implants

The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates designs individual implants to replace single missing teeth. The metal rod-like implant replaces your original tooth root and supports a custom-designed dental crown.

Dental bridges

Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth in a row. They anchor onto nearby implants or prepared healthy teeth and include one or more false teeth to fill the gap. 

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are devices designed to replace many or all of your teeth. They latch onto implants, but you can snap them off when you need to clean or rinse them.

Conventional dentures

Conventional dentures don’t rely on implants for support. Instead, the muscles in your mouth hold them in place. The team at Silicon Valley Dental Associates may encourage you to consider getting at least two implants per arch for more stability. 

If you’re missing one or more teeth, don’t hesitate to book a consultation by phone or online at Silicon Valley Dental Associates to explore your replacement options today.