June 30, 2005 • ISSUE 36 / VOLUME 1

Missing teeth can and should be replaced

Missing teeth can affect the proper function of your mouth.

Why should you replace your missing teeth? Your appearance, dental health and proper functioning of your mouth are more than enough reasons. Teeth work together. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift towards the open space. The gum tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place can break down from resulting gum disease.

Teeth that are tipped are harder to clean and more easily decayed. You need your teeth to chew, and having to chew only on one side can cause stress in our mouth and jaw joints. If you don't have any teeth at all, not being able to chew your food properly means you won't enjoy eating, and you may not be able to eat healthy foods. You also need your teeth to speak properly, since they help make the sounds needed in speech.

There are several ways missing teeth can be replaced. The most traditional way is to have a custom-made fixed bridge that is cemented in place. The fixed bridge consists of a natural looking artificial tooth that replaces the lost tooth. This false tooth is attached to crowns on both sides, and the crowns are then cemented to your natural teeth. Bridges do not come off. The bridge can be made of a combination of materials to make them look natural and blend with the rest of your teeth.

A less expensive alternative is a removable partial denture. False teeth are attached to a gum colored or metal base with hooks on it. The hooks attach to your existing teeth.

Implants can attach artificial teeth directly onto special posts placed in your jaw and gums. This method does require surgery, and you must have good general health and adequate bone support for the implant.

If you have lost all of your teeth on your upper or lower jaw, then a full denture can help you. Dentures can be either removable or fixed on implants in your jaw.

For more information, call Dr. Jonathan Okabe, DDS Inc., at 596-0837.