A missing tooth or teeth can be a significant concern, impacting both the beauty of a smile and its functionality. At Kai Dental, we encounter many seeking permanent solutions for this issue and are confident that, whether you have a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth, we can help.
PROFESSIONAL DENTISTRY
Causes and Presentation of Missing Teeth
Are you embarrassed by your smile?
The absence of one or more teeth is often considered a cosmetic concern and stops people from sharing genuine smiles, speaking, laughing, or eating in front of others, in case they get a glimpse of their less-than-perfect teeth.
Missing teeth can alter facial structure – resulting in facial sagging and sunken cheeks – and lead to bone loss in the jaw, shifting of remaining natural teeth, and bite problems.
While baby teeth become loose and fall out on their own during childhood, healthy adult teeth can last a lifetime. However, missing teeth can be caused by several factors, including but not limited to:
- Accidents or trauma
Head trauma caused by accidents or during contact sports can result in teeth being knocked out – leaving an unsightly gap in their place.
- Severe dental cavities
If cavities are left untreated, they can cause considerable pain and damage and may need extracting.
- Advanced gum disease
Periodontal (gum) disease is one of the most common causes of loose and missing teeth, especially in adults. It causes inflammation and infection of the gums which can damage the bone and tissue in the supporting teeth.
- Congenital absences
Genetics plays a crucial role in determining the number and type of teeth a person develops. Hypodontia is a genetic condition that typically affects the second premolars or lateral incisors, whereas Ectodermal Dysplasia affects tooth development and leads to missing, malformed, or poorly developed teeth.
- Poor oral hygiene
If patients neglect their oral hygiene, including simple things like brushing morning and night and flossing daily, it can lead to increased plaque buildup. This can then cause gum disease, tooth decay, and eventually tooth loss.
- Natural ageing
Natural wear and tear can contribute to tooth loss, especially in older adults. Plus, if dental issues like gum disease and decay are left untreated, they can result in significant problems later in life.
What Problems Can Missing Teeth Lead to?
Aesthetically, a missing tooth can affect facial structure and appearance, making you feel less confident in your smile.
Functionally, it can impede efficient chewing, affect speech clarity, and even lead to bone loss in the jaw.
The key problems associated with missing teeth include:
- Difficulty eating and chewing – When you have a tooth or several teeth missing, the remaining healthy teeth will likely bear more force from chewing, causing increased sensitivity and pain.
- Tooth movement – Over time, adjacent teeth might drift into the empty space, leading to misalignments or bite issues. The longer you wait to address a missing tooth, the more complex the repercussions can become. In some cases, Invisalign clear aligners can be used to correct this drifting and reposition teeth before or after replacement treatment.
- Jawbone changes – The jawbone that supported the missing tooth before will start to deteriorate, resulting in bone loss and increasing the need for bone grafts and dental implants.
- Speech difficulty – Whether you’re missing one or multiple teeth, you might find it harder to articulate certain sounds and words, especially those that involve the teeth or lips.
- Reduced self-esteem – When you have teeth missing, it can negatively impact your confidence and lead to feelings of self-consciousness and social anxiety.
How Do We Fix Missing Teeth?
Kai Dental offers a range of comprehensive solutions tailored to the individual needs of patients with missing teeth London-wide.
These include:
- Surgical treatment options
- Non-surgical treatments
Surgical treatment options
- Dental implants
Dental implants, which act as artificial tooth roots, are often recommended for their longevity and functionality.
A titanium screw-like post is surgically placed into the jawbone by to replace a missing tooth’s root.
A false tooth (either a crown, bridge, or denture) will then be attached to the dental implant once it’s fully healed, helping to restore chewing function and speech.
Our experienced implant dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to ensure you feel minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Dental implant treatment is typically more expensive than other treatments for missing teeth but, with proper care and attention, they can maintain their natural look and feel for many years (if not decades!) without needing to be replaced or repaired.
Non-surgical treatments
- Dental bridges
Dental bridges are a restorative dental treatment offering a permanent solution for missing teeth.
Unlike tooth implants, bridges can replace missing teeth without surgery.
Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and gums to create a custom-made bridge. They’ll also determine the right shade to ensure it matches the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth.
While your bridge is being made, your dentist can fit a temporary bridge and once it’s ready, they’ll check your bite and ensure it fits properly and feels comfortable.
- Partial dentures
For those looking for non-surgical options, partial dentures offer an effective alternative to single dental implants and implant-supported bridges.
Unlike full dentures that replace all the teeth in the upper jaw and/or lower jaw, a partial denture replaces one or more missing teeth and can be removed for cleaning and sleeping.
They fit around the remaining natural teeth and are held in place with clasps or precision attachments.
Dentures look and feel like real teeth and can be beneficial for restoring your ability to chew – preventing food from getting trapped in the gaps. They also prevent your existing teeth from shifting and restore a natural-looking smile, helping to reinstate your confidence.
Regardless of the chosen method, our primary goal is to restore the fullness and function of your smile.
Professional dentistry
Interested in Missing Teeth Treatment?
Tooth loss is common in adults and children and, if left untreated, can lead to various problems.
If you’re considering tooth replacement treatment but would like to know more about the different options available or to book an implant consultation, talk to the team at Kai Dental.
We offer everything from dental implant treatments to dental bridges and dentures and are confident that we can restore your perfect smile at our dental practice in Queensway.
Our dental experts will listen carefully to your dental concerns and assess your oral health before devising a bespoke treatment plan.
Whether it’s a single tooth implant or a full arch, we’re always honest and transparent about our dental implant costs, ensuring no nasty surprises. The same applies to all our other treatments.
What’s more, you can spread the cost of your dental treatment with affordable monthly instalments.
If you make an appointment at Kai Dental, we’ll happily discuss these payment options and answer any of your burning questions.
We are Kai Dental
Treatment Spotlight
Implants
Bone loss in the jaw can have detrimental effects on a person’s day-to-day life. Dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for people suffering from this condition and other dental issues.
Bridges
As a restorative treatment, Kai Dental offers Bridges to cover the gap created by missing teeth.
Dentures
A Denture is an oral appliance that replaces missing teeth. If you’ve lost your natural teeth, Dentures can restore your smile. Dentures will help you eat more efficiently and speak more clearly.
White Fillings
White Fillings are tooth-coloured composite resin fillings used to restore decayed teeth. They’re also used for aesthetic improvements to the smile. If you have a damaged or disfigured tooth, your Dentist may recommend a White Filling, allowing you to avoid more invasive dental treatments.
Implants
Bone loss in the jaw can have detrimental effects on a person’s day-to-day life. Dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution for people suffering from this condition and other dental issues.
Bridges
As a restorative treatment, Kai Dental offers Bridges to cover the gap created by missing teeth.
Dentures
A Denture is an oral appliance that replaces missing teeth. If you’ve lost your natural teeth, Dentures can restore your smile. Dentures will help you eat more efficiently and speak more clearly.
White Fillings
White Fillings are tooth-coloured composite resin fillings used to restore decayed teeth. They’re also used for aesthetic improvements to the smile. If you have a damaged or disfigured tooth, your Dentist may recommend a White Filling, allowing you to avoid more invasive dental treatments.
Professional Dentistry
