At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Abraham Stein and Dr. Zachary Weiss help our patients find the best solutions for their dental care needs. Dr. Stein is a decorated restorative dentist in Skokie, IL. He offers modern options for many restorative dental concerns, including missing teeth. If you are missing one or more teeth and would like to find a tooth replacement solution for your smile, visit our dental office.
During your dental visit, we will assess your smile, review your oral history, and explore all viable treatment options. Dr. Stein strives to provide only the most relevant recommendations to your unique issue. We will build a comprehensive treatment plan and tailor it to your smile goals. We will address your missing teeth, and improve your dental health for the long term.
Why Should I Replace Missing Teeth?
Patients can experience tooth loss for a range of different reasons. For instance, some patients may lose their teeth due to dental trauma, periodontal disease, tooth damage, or tooth decay. Understanding the underlying cause of tooth loss is key to restoring your smile and reducing the risk of future tooth loss. Our team will assess your teeth, gums, and jaw bone to determine which tooth replacement solution is right for you.
When you lose a tooth, the neighboring teeth may begin to shift. Not only can tooth loss lead to crooked teeth, it can also affect the way you chew and speak. In advanced cases, tooth loss leads to bone tissue loss in the jaw.
When the bone underneath the teeth deteriorates, it can result in facial sagging and difficulties chewing and speaking. For the jaw to remain intact, it needs constant support from the teeth. So in essence, the decaying bone underneath can no longer support your face after tooth loss.
Missing Teeth FAQs
Is it unhealthy to have missing teeth?
Untreated missing teeth can cause oral and overall health issues. Patients with missing teeth are more likely to develop gum disease. This also makes patients more susceptible to heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer.
What are my options if I have missing teeth?
The most common option to replace missing teeth is dental implants. They are a popular choice because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Other restorative options include dentures, dental bridges, implant-supported dentures, and more.
Are tooth implants painful?
Patients may report some pain, swelling, and soreness post-procedure. Patients experience minimal pain during the procedure because they will be under oral sedation. Your dentist will recommend a dental implant because it is the best option for replacing missing teeth.
Can a missing tooth cause speech problems?
Missing teeth commonly cause speech problems. For example, missing a tooth in the area where your tongue touches to make sounds will have a greater effect on your speech. Missing front teeth can cause a lisp because there is no support for your tongue.
Does missing teeth affect face shape?
Your healthy teeth provide bone support for your face, mouth, and cheeks. Missing teeth cause a gap in this structure which can cause facial sagging. Missing teeth also commonly cause teeth to shift out of place to fill gaps, which can change the look and shape of your mouth.
Treatment Options For Missing Teeth at Our Dentist Office
As an experienced prosthodontist in Skokie, IL, Dr. Stein has the skills and experience to replace your missing teeth. He provides patient-centered care so each of our patients get a treatment plan that specifically meets their dental needs.
To determine which tooth replacement option will best suit your needs, we will perform a complete dental examination. During the exam, we will assess the overall health and function of your gums, jaw bone, and remaining teeth. We use advanced dental technology, such as the intra-oral camera, cone beam imaging, and panoramic x-rays.
Our goal is to gain a comprehensive view of your mouth to determine which tooth replacement solution is right for you. After your examination, we may recommend one of the following tooth replacement solutions to replace your missing teeth.
Dental Implants Treatment
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic that provides a secure foundation for a permanent or removable prosthetic replacement. They can support a bridge, crown, or denture. Dental implants also act as an artificial root by mimicking the root of a natural tooth. This keeps your jawbone strong and healthy, as the implant fuses directly with the bone.
We can use them to create permanent prosthetics to solve different missing teeth issues. For example, Dr. Stein can provide implant-supported dentures, an implant-secured bridge, and All-on-Four®. Furthermore, they can last a lifetime with proper care and routine checkups.
Dentures or Partial Dentures Treatment
Dentures are a type of replacement tooth-structure that consist of an acrylic base with artificial teeth. Sometimes the dentist adds a metal or prosthetic frame for more support. Partial dentures can replace one or several missing teeth, and full dentures can replace all of your missing teeth. Dr. Stein can provide temporary dentures for a short-term solution, or permanent fixed dentures for a long-term solution.
Dentures are an affordable tooth replacement option and offer many benefits. They restore oral functionality, appearance, and provide a comfortable problem-free solution to missing teeth.
Partial dentures are also removable, so you can take them out if they are uncomfortable or to clean them. They can be a great solution for people missing many teeth or just a few teeth. To learn about our dentures and partial dentures, visit Dentures & partials.
Dental Bridge Treatment
A dental bridge is yet another treatment option for replacing missing teeth. We can use a dental bridge to fill the gap that the lost tooth leaves behind. The bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that two abutment crowns hold in place. The abutment crowns also anchor the bridge to your natural teeth that are adjacent to the area that the lost tooth once was.
The artificial tooth, or pontic, sits at the same level as your other healthy teeth, giving you a uniform smile. Since the abutment crowns are custom-made for each patient, bridges provide a comfortable and secure fit.
To learn more about your tooth replacement options, visit The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry for a consultation. Give us a call at 847-750-3125 or schedule a dental visit online today. We accept most major dental insurance plans and provide multiple financing options. Get the dental care you deserve in our Skokie, IL, dental office today.