How Missing Teeth Change Your Life
Fountain Valley, CA
 According to statistics, it is estimated that about 120 million people in the United States have at least one missing tooth and that there are over 35 million who do not have any teeth at all. This may be unexpected considering the advancement in dentistry and the increased awareness of the need to follow dental hygiene habits. The majority of our patients here, at Bijan Family Dental Practice, suffer from missing teeth caused by several factors such as injury, results of gum disease, and poor oral hygiene, among others. Everyone on our team is keen on helping patients who suffer from tooth loss since we are aware of how this has affected their lives negatively.
The Negative Consequences of Missing Teeth
Losing teeth have several results, and none of them favors the individual. One of the most obvious consequences is that it affects one’s smile. Most of the patients we have encountered cannot smile or laugh openly because they are embarrassed about the gaps in their gums caused by missing teeth. As an indirect consequence, they also lose self-confidence and try to avoid social interactions as much as possible for fear of being ridiculed or laughed at.
For those who ignored and made do with missing teeth, they tend to look a lot older because the skin around their mouth is sagging since there are no teeth to support it. The simple tasks of chewing and speaking would also be more difficult. People with missing teeth will have limited food choices, mainly soft ones since they would not be able to chew, and they will find it difficult to pronounce certain words correctly. Apart from all of these personal changes, people with missing teeth will also suffer from reduced bone density in their jawbone since it has lost its function and use. The gums will also deteriorate unless appropriate remedies are provided.
Dental Procedures to Replace Missing Teeth
We tell our patients that tooth replacement options are available, so they do not have to suffer the negative consequences of missing teeth. Three of the most common dental procedures include implants, fixed bridges, and dentures.
From among the options, dental implants feel and look like the most natural and function similarly as natural teeth. In this procedure, metal screw-like posts are surgically implanted in the jawbone to serve as the foundation for artificial teeth. Considering its mechanism, implants are sturdy and can last for a long time given proper maintenance and care. Fixed bridges, on the other hand, is a procedure that we do to fill the space vacated by one or more teeth that have been lost. Like dental implants, fixed bridges are also stable and made to stay in place, unless we alter or take them out. The least expensive and non-invasive option is removable partial dentures. The replacement teeth for dentures are fixed on a plastic base that is designed like gums. This base is fitted to the mouth and is taken out for cleaning. Partial dentures need some time to get used to, but once the patient is adjusted, he or she can eat, speak, and smile more comfortably.
If you want to know more about what tooth replacement options would suit you best, visit us at Bijan Family Dental Practice today, so we can assess your needs and determine appropriate solutions at (714) 421-4494. |
