It only takes seconds for a normal day to turn into something catastrophic. A simple accident could lead to a missing tooth, and handling situations like these can be overwhelming if you aren’t sure what course of action to take. The good news is that dealing with missing teeth is much easier than it seems as long as you go to the right dentist.
We’ve put together a brief guide with important tips to help you get started on the right track. Let’s explore the key information you should keep in mind when moving forward.
Fixed Bridge
As the name implies, this solution “bridges” the gap between missing teeth. The process generally requires visiting the dentist multiple times.
It involves placing the required implant(s), customizing its structure, and placing the bridge where teeth are missing. After the bridge is properly secured, it will function, look, and feel like natural teeth.
You don’t have to remove bridges to clean them, either. This makes them easier to maintain compared to other options on this list.
Dental Implants
This is one of the most common options for people missing a single tooth. It involves fusing a replacement tooth root on the patient’s jawbone. It’s not recommended to use this method for people who are missing multiple teeth.
Not only is this impractical, but it will also be more expensive due to the increased labor costs. Dental implants are often indistinguishable from natural teeth in both feel and appearance.
They often last for decades without having to be replaced or repaired. It’s worth noting that dental implants require surgery, which could lead to complications in certain patients. Your dentist will help you determine the most appropriate option.
Resin-Retained Bridge
These are far less invasive than fixed bridges. Using fixed bridges is best for the tooth you use while chewing, which makes resin-retained bridges suitable for teeth that don’t endure the same amount of pressure. Front teeth are great candidates for this type of bridge.
Resin-retained bridges attach to neighboring teeth on either side for extra support. Despite not being as strong as fixed bridges, they are much less expensive.
Keep this in mind if you’re on a limited budget. There’s a good chance you can save a substantial amount of money.
Complete Dentures
These aren’t the first course of action for people with missing teeth. They require multiple trips to the dentist and replace a large amount (if not all) of your teeth. Dentures are both aesthetic and functional.
However, they are often uncomfortable and aren’t meant to be worn 24/7. Many people avoid this option even though it can replace multiple teeth at once due to the discomfort.
Partial Dentures
The primary difference between partial and full dentures is the number of teeth they replace. Despite their natural appearance, partial dentures lack durability and are often uncomfortable. Regardless, they’re far less expensive than using full dentures.
It’s also easy for dentists to repair damage that occurs. If your dentures break, though, they’ll need to be replaced. Doing so can cause you to spend more than anticipated.
Causes of Missing Teeth
There’s no shortage of causes of missing teeth. Understanding these will help ensure you avoid them to the best of your ability. Let’s look at some of the most common.
Injury
People who play sports or work in hazardous environments could lose teeth if they don’t take the proper precautions. However, you could lose a tooth due to injury in virtually any setting.
For example, someone could get into a fight, a car accident, or slip and fall. Injuries can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, as well. It’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible if you lose a tooth due to injury.
If you can, gather the tooth or tooth fragments. This could help your dentist provide treatment.
In severe cases, you might require surgery before your tooth can be replaced. This is most common in scenarios that involve major physical trauma.
Gum Disease
Also known as periodontitis, unchecked gum disease can lead to numerous health issues, but missing teeth is one of the most notable. This damages the soft tissue around the teeth and will eventually destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It’s not uncommon for teeth to loosen over time as the disease progresses.
The primary symptoms of periodontitis are swollen gums, painful chewing, and gaps that develop between your teeth. Gum disease can make eating and drinking uncomfortable, as well.
Tooth Decay
Concentrated areas of tooth decay cause cavities that form on the surface of your teeth. These can occur from plaque buildup, eating sugary foods, and taking poor care of your health.
The most common treatments include dental fillings, tooth extraction, and root canals. It’s imperative to assess cavities as soon as possible so they don’t progress.
How easily you develop cavities also depends on your genetics, as well. Tooth decay has five primary stages:
- Demineralization
- Enamel decay
- Dentin decay
- Pulp damage
- Abscessed teeth
Additional risk factors are gum recession, dry mouth, and previous radiation therapy. If you notice signs of tooth decay, you should make an appointment with your dentist. You otherwise risk this condition getting out of your control.
Finding a Dentist
To get the right results, you’ll need to find a dentist you can trust. This will allow you to avoid many issues you may have otherwise encountered. Listed below are some of the most notable attributes to look out for.
Reputation
What do other people online have to say about the company’s reputation? Were they satisfied with the results they got?
The answers to these questions will help you quickly narrow down your search. Pay attention to how they handle criticism, as well.
It’s best to avoid dentists who get aggressive or defensive toward negative feedback. Fake reviews are also important to consider. These are often posted in batches and contain many similar keywords.
Fake reviews can be negative or positive, and you should exclude these when assessing the dentist. With enough vigilance, you’ll narrow down your potential options quickly.
Cost
The price you’ll pay for your treatment is one of the most important factors to consider. It’s heavily influenced by your insurance coverage, as well.
You might spend thousands of dollars without the right coverage depending on your situation. Research this information thoroughly beforehand so you can avoid financial surprises.
The good news is that many dentists offer payment plans to their patients. This can make a large procedure much easier to accommodate.
You can also save a substantial amount of money by preventing issues from arising. Scheduling regular cleanings and practicing good dental hygiene can help you avoid problems like gum disease and cavities.
Experience
It’s best to avoid inexperienced dentists, as these are unlikely to meet your needs. In some scenarios, they could cause additional complications. You should look for a dentist who’s been around for at least a decade.
They’ll have a much better chance of understanding the nuances of your situation. Ensure they specialize in treating missing teeth, as well.
Some dentists will claim they can do so, but they don’t have the required experience to do so effectively. The last thing you want is to work with a dentist who hasn’t handled a problem like yours in the past.
Location
Finding a dentist nearby is just as important as finding one you can trust. People who have to travel a substantial distance to see their dentist are less likely to seek treatment went necessary.
Ideally, you’ll find an experienced dentist located only a few minutes from your home. You can often find a suitable option by using keywords like “nearest” or “near me” in your Google search. For instance, you might search “nearest implant dentist” when looking for someone who can set up dental implants.
Comfort
How comfortable are you communicating with them? You should never choose someone who you feel uneasy around.
It’s normal to have anxiety about going to the dentist, but your intuition might tell you that something serious is off. Don’t be afraid to continue your search if you worry you’re making the right choice. Visit the location ahead of time so you can get a feel of what to expect.
Pay attention to how the staff respond to you when you walk into the building. They should greet you politely and ask what they can do for you. If they don’t seem interested in helping you, look for alternatives.
Ask Friends and Family
While losing a tooth is a serious issue, it’s not an uncommon one. Chances are you have a friend or family member who’s dealt with this problem in the past.
If so, they can point you in the right direction. There’s a chance you don’t have a contact who can help, but sending a single text could help resolve this issue.
Schedule a Consultation
Since not every dentist will be the right fit, it’s best to schedule a consultation so you can get an idea of what they’re capable of. Prepare questions in advance so you can make the most of your time with them.
Gauge how enthusiastic about working with you, as well. They should want to know as much as possible about your situation.
If they don’t seem interested, there’s a chance you’ll get subpar results. It’s not customary for a dentist to charge for a consultation. Avoid those who do, as this could indicate they attempt to cut corners in other ways.
Continuing Education
Do they prioritize continuing education? Dentists are required to satisfy a certain number of credit hours each year, but not all professionals take these obligations seriously. Going through the motions doesn’t allow them to apply this knowledge to their patients effectively.
This also prevents them from using modern techniques and tools. Reputable dentists will proudly showcase their education on their website.
If they don’t have updated info but you’re still interested, reach out to them to learn more. There’s a chance they forgot to publish the required changes.
When to See a Dentist
Losing a tooth isn’t always an emergency. There are many situations where you can wait a few days to visit a dentist.
However, there are also scenarios when you should see one as soon as possible. Keep the following information in mind so you can take action when necessary.
You Experience Pain
Missing a tooth puts the underlying gum tissue at risk. It also exposes nerve endings that can easily become a health issue.
The pain associated with missing teeth is often intense, so you’ll be able to easily tell when you need medical attention. The pain is typically at its worst when eating or drinking something hot or cold.
Chewing with the affected area of the mouth can also cause issues. Without treatment, this pain will continue to get worse over time until it becomes unbearable. Avoid this situation at all costs so you don’t cause unnecessary health issues.
You Have Trouble Eating
If you have trouble eating due to your missing tooth, it’s best to get in touch with a dentist as soon as possible. Eventually, the surrounding teeth will shift to fill the gap your missing tooth left.
This could cause major issues with your bite alignment and require expensive dental work to resolve. Keep this in mind when moving forward.
You Have Symptoms of Infection
A mouth infection is a serious medical issue that requires immediate medical attention. Left unchecked, this problem can evolve into something far worse. It’s not uncommon for mouth infections to increase one’s risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke, for example.
Handle Your Missing Tooth ASAP
If you neglect your missing tooth, you could run into a large number of health issues. There’s also something to be said about how it impacts your appearance.
The tips in this guide will help ensure you make the best decision for your needs. Our blog contains useful information that can help you make better lifestyle decisions. Be sure to check it out today!
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