When to Get Implants or Dentures

Serving Patients in Vancouver WA

You should get dental implants or dentures when you have teeth that are breaking, falling, or decaying. There are several treatment options available, including dentures, dental implants, and bridges, which your dentist can discuss with you. Experienced dentists at Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry, can examine your teeth and gums to figure out which option is best for you.

Remember, teeth are intended to last a lifetime with proper care, but there are various factors that can compromise their health and stability. By maintaining regular dental check-ups, practicing good oral hygiene, and promptly addressing any signs of trouble, you can significantly reduce the risk of tooth loss.

Here are some issues we hear from patients before they get implants or dentures.

My Teeth are Falling Out: What Should I Do?

If you notice that your teeth are beginning to loosen or fall out, it’s crucial to take immediate action and seek assistance from your dentist. Saving your teeth is a top priority, and your dentist can play a vital role in determining the underlying cause of your tooth loss and providing appropriate solutions for restoring your oral health.

Are My Teeth Actually Falling Out?

To detect the signs that your teeth are in danger of falling out, there are certain indicators you can be aware of:

• One common sign is increased tooth mobility or shifting. If you notice your teeth becoming loose or shifting position, it’s essential to address this issue promptly.
• Persistent gum inflammation, bleeding gums, or the presence of pus around the teeth can be signs of gum disease, which may ultimately lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
• Chronic toothaches, recurrent infections, or abscesses are also indicators that your teeth may be at risk.

At What Age Do Adults Start Losing Teeth?

Teeth can fall out for various reasons, with the most prevalent cause being gum disease and tooth decay. However, other factors such as genetics, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, poor nutrition, smoking, and even accidents can contribute to tooth loss. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize proper oral care and maintain good oral hygiene practices.

The age at which adults may start losing their teeth can vary. While it is more common for tooth loss to occur as people age, it can happen at any time due to various reasons, as mentioned earlier. It’s important to remember that with proper dental care and preventive measures, you can maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible, regardless of your age.

Can Missing Teeth Affect Your Health?

Yes, missing teeth can affect your health. This is because your oral health is linked to your overall general health. Neglecting to replace a tooth can cause a variety of issues, including tooth decay and gum disease, which can lead to heart disease, endocarditis, and premature birth if left untreated.

How to Fix a Missing Tooth

Replanting your natural tooth may be your first option to fix a missing tooth. Immediately after your tooth has fallen out, rinse it with your saliva or milk, just make sure you don’t touch the root of the tooth. Then, try to reinsert it back into its original socket and seek dental care immediately.

You generally only have one hour to have the tooth successfully replanted. If you’re unable to re-insert your tooth back into its socket, store it in milk until you’re able to see your dentist. Even if your tooth is unable to be reinserted, it’s still crucial that you have the tooth restored. Otherwise, your gums will be more vulnerable to decay, disease, and bone loss.

What Can I Do About My Teeth Breaking?

If you’ve suffered a broken or chipped tooth, contact a dentist immediately. Otherwise, your tooth may become infected or further damaged, and you may not be able to keep your natural tooth. The type of treatment for your broken tooth will depend on how badly the tooth is damaged.

If only a small piece of your tooth has broken, your dentist may use bonding or filling to repair the tooth. If a larger piece of your tooth has chipped off, your dentist may cover it with a crown or veneer. And if your tooth has to be extracted and entirely replaced, a single dental implant or bridge may be used.

Should I Be Worried About Speech Problems After Dental Work?

It’s normal to experience some speech problems immediately after dental work, and you generally don’t need to be worried. Most of these problems are caused by swelling, which will go down within a few hours or days. Other times, you just need a bit of time to adjust to the new layout of your mouth, especially if you had teeth removed or implants added.

That said, if you are experiencing discomfort or ongoing speech problems, it’s best to discuss your concerns directly with your dentist. A professional will be able to look at what’s going on to determine if the issue will resolve over time or if you need additional work.

What Should I Do if My Missing Teeth are Impacting My Speaking Ability?

If you are struggling to speak due to missing teeth, you should speak with a dentist about dental implants. These devices are designed to look and function like natural teeth. Dental implants connect to your jawbone using a titanium root, and they can last for a lifetime. If you have multiple missing teeth, you can also use implants to support crowns or dentures.

What Are My Options for Replacing Missing Teeth?

There are several tooth replacement options available today, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Dental implants are the preferred choice for tooth replacement today because they promote jawbone health and function like natural teeth.

A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into your jawbone, acting like a “root” for a crown. Dental implants are permanent and look the most realistic compared to other tooth replacement solutions. They can be used to replace a single tooth or an entire mouth of missing teeth. However, they are the most expensive form of tooth replacement.

Dentures are another method of replacing teeth, and they are generally the most affordable. A denture can be used to replace a single tooth or several missing teeth. With a denture, an artificial tooth is fitted into an acrylic or metal framework and is attached to your mouth by clasping onto other teeth.

A bridge is another affordable tooth replacement solution. A dental bridge has crowns that cover adjacent teeth and includes an artificial tooth or teeth to fill the missing area.

If you’re looking for tooth replacement options, it’s best to consult with your dentist. They’ll be able to find the best fit for your needs and your budget.

Can Missing Teeth be Replaced?

Yes, of course! There are a variety of ways dentists can replace your missing teeth, including dental implants, dentures, partial dentures, and bridges.

Can Missing Teeth Affect Your Speech?

Yes, missing teeth can affect your speech. In order to pronounce words properly, your lips, teeth, and tongue need to be in the correct position. Missing teeth can make it difficult to form certain sounds or words, including the word “teeth”.

Though all of your teeth can play a role in your ability to speak, your front teeth have the biggest impact on your speech. For example, your upper front teeth make contact with your lip to form sounds like “th”, “f”, and “v”. Similarly, lower front teeth help to form sounds like “s” and “z”. If any of those front teeth are missing, you find it difficult to form certain words.

Congenitally Missing Teeth

Congenitally missing teeth (CMT), also called hypodontia, is a condition in which six or fewer permanent teeth haven’t developed. The most common missing teeth in CMT patients include upper lateral incisors, second premolars bicuspids, and wisdom teeth. Studies suggest CMT is inherited, but environmental factors may also play a role.

If you have CMT, it’s important that you have these gaps replaced. Having missing teeth can make it difficult to eat and speak. It can also lead to more tooth loss.

There are a variety of tooth replacement options available for CMT patients: removable partial dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants can fill in those gaps and provide functionality. Braces can sometimes be used as well, but adjacent teeth may need to be reshaped.

Tooth replacement options for CMT patients will all depend on the person’s age, gender, and the amount of time the tooth has been missing. For example, a dental implant may not be recommended for children, because their jaws are still growing.

Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry Is Here for You

Whether you have one missing tooth or several, we will help create a solution that fits your needs and budget.

Your dentist with Lewis Family & Implant Dentistry is your ally in preserving your smile, so don’t hesitate to seek their professional advice and assistance if you suspect your teeth may be in jeopardy.

We also offer emergency appointments for when you need help fast. Contact us today to preserve your smile for a lifetime.