Not only can missing teeth affect one’s confidence in their smile, but it can also cause a range of physical health issues. Missing teeth can hinder bite strength, harm the health of surrounding teeth and even lead to a higher risk of gum disease.
At FY Smile, we offer a variety of options to replace missing teeth, so that you can choose the best one to suit your individual needs and aesthetic goals. In this blog, we’ll tell you all about each of our treatments, and why it is so important to replace missing teeth.
Table of Contents
Why should you replace missing teeth?
Missing teeth can have a detrimental effect on you physically and emotionally. Some of the consequences of missing teeth can include:
- Decreased bite strength and ability to chew food: When you have missing teeth, the surrounding teeth will shift overtime to compensate for the gap, affecting your bite strength and ability to properly chew food.
- Speech difficulties: Missing teeth can cause difficulties with pronunciation and speech clarity.
- Tooth shifting and misalignment:Without the support of missing teeth, surrounding teeth can shift and become misaligned, leading to additional dental problems.
- Bone loss: The roots of missing teeth provide stimulation to the jawbone, which is essential for maintaining bone density. Without this stimulation, bone loss can occur in the jaw, leading to changes in the shape of the face.
- Increased risk of gum disease and decay: Missing teeth can leave gaps in the mouth, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay.
- Aesthetic concerns: Missing teeth, whilst being an aesthetic concern for most people, can also cause a change in facial structure due to the loss of supporting bone. This can lead to an aged facial appearance.
Our effective treatment options
Ultimately, the best solution for missing teeth will depend on several factors, including the number of missing teeth, the location of the missing teeth, and the overall health of the remaining teeth. At FY Smile, one of our experienced team members can help you determine the best option for your individual needs.
Dental implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. Once in place, the implants fuse with the jawbone and provide a strong, stable base for the replacement tooth. The replacement tooth, also known as a crown, is then attached to the implant and functions like a natural tooth, allowing for normal eating and speaking. Dental implants are a popular solution for people with missing teeth, as they provide a long-term and natural-looking option for tooth replacement.
All-on-4
The All-on-4 treatment is a surgical procedure that involves the placement of four dental implants in the jawbone to support a full arch of replacement teeth. It is a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for people who have lost multiple teeth and want a permanent replacement option.
Unlike traditional dental implant treatment, which involves the placement of individual implants for each missing tooth, the All-on-4 treatment provides a full arch of teeth supported by just four implants. This allows patients to receive a complete smile restoration in one procedure, with a shorter healing period compared to traditional dental implant treatment.
The All-on-4 treatment is a suitable option for those with significant jawbone loss, and it may also help to prevent the need for bone grafting procedures. It will provide you with stronger, functional teeth within as little as 48 hours.
Bone regeneration
Bone regeneration refers to the process of rebuilding or regenerating lost or damaged jawbone tissue. This is often necessary for patients who have experienced significant bone loss due to periodontal disease, injury, or tooth extraction. The goal of bone regeneration is to provide a stable and healthy base for dental implants, or to improve the stability of existing teeth.
At FY Smile, we offer three different methods of bone regeneration:
– Sinus augmentation: Sinus augmentation is typically performed when there is not enough bone in the upper jaw to support dental implants. The procedure involves raising the sinus floor and adding bone to the area.
– Ridge modification: Ridge modification involves lifting the gum away from the ridge to expose a deformity in the jawbone, if you have one. It is designed to build up the ridge with a bone substitute.
– Bone grafting: Bone grafting involves taking bone from another area of the body, or using synthetic bone-like material and grafting it onto the area of bone loss.
If you choose bone grafting, the specific treatment method that you will need will depend on the extent of the bone loss and your desired outcome of the procedure. The success of bone regeneration treatments can vary, but with proper care and maintenance, they can provide a successful outcome for many patients.
Crowns and bridges
Crowns and bridges are a strong, long-term solution to partially or completely missing teeth.
Crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed over a tooth to cover its surface, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect a damaged, decayed, or otherwise weakened tooth, or to improve the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen, discoloured, or otherwise unsightly. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, and is cemented or bonded in place.
Bridges are a popular solution for missing teeth, especially when there are multiple missing teeth in a row. They consist of an artificial tooth (or teeth) that are attached to dental crowns on either side of the gap. The crowns are then cemented onto the remaining healthy teeth, effectively “bridging” the gap.
FY Smile: Using the latest, most advanced techniques in replacing missing teeth
At FY Smile in Double Bay, Sydney, we use the latest techniques, high-quality materials and advanced digital software to provide the best dental treatments possible. We will always put your health and wellbeing first, ensuring that you feel comfortable and relaxed at our state-of-the-art clinic.
If you would like to replace missing teeth, contact us today to book your consultation! One of our experienced team members can assess the condition of your teeth and gums and discuss your treatment goals to determine the right teeth replacement treatment option for you.
