New Patients (410) 514-6553

Current Patients (410) 828-1177

21 West Road Suite 104 Towson, MD 21204

Missing Teeth Towson, MD

For patients with missing teeth, Dr. Patrick L. Ousborne and Dr. Rikki Esterson offer dental implants, dentures, and dental bridges. Our restorative treatments are custom fit and color matched to blend in with natural teeth. A dental concern such as missing teeth should be addressed as soon as possible. Our state of the art dentist office in Towson, Maryland is well equipped to get your oral health back on track.

Why Do I Need to Replace my Missing Teeth?

Replacing missing teeth not only improves the look of your teeth but can benefit your oral health in the long run. When there are gaps between teeth as a result of tooth loss, the remaining teeth may shift and overcrowd spaces. This overcrowding makes it more difficult to clean teeth, which can result in problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Shifting of teeth also frequently leads to bite problems and increases your risk for periodontal disease. Prompt tooth replacement is the key to maintaining your dental health and a stable jaw structure.

Bone loss in the jaw can cause facial sagging and speech issues. However, this type of bone loss can be prevented by replacing the tooth at the root. Patients with missing teeth may find it more difficult to bite and chew normally, so a more balanced bite restores tooth function.

Replace Missing Teeth in Towson, Maryland

Treating Missing Teeth

These treatment options can improve the health of the teeth and gums while improving the aesthetics of your smile:

Dental Implants

Dental implant treatment utilizes titanium posts that integrate with bone tissue in the jaw. A dentist will surgically insert them into the bone and then they need 3 to 6 months to heal. After that, the dentist will cover these dental implant posts with abutments. The last step is to restore the implants with a dental prosthesis. Depending on how many teeth you are missing, that will be a dental crown, dental bridge or denture. We will use a dental crown if you are missing a single tooth. Full arch dental implant treatment includes a custom denture if you are a missing a whole row of teeth.

Dental Bridge

If you are missing one or multiple consecutive teeth, a dental bridge may be the right choice for you. A dental bridge is made of a crown held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. For patients missing several teeth in a row, a bridge can be secured with dental implants. This offers a more secure solution and does not require harming your healthy, remaining teeth.

Dentures

A denture is a set of false teeth that can replace missing teeth. There are full dentures that will replace a whole row of missing teeth. Then there are partial dentures that will replace a few missing teeth on an arch. However, patients who are missing whole arches of teeth can benefit from implant secured dentures. When secured with dental implants, full and partial dentures last longer and benefit the health of bone tissue. They also do not require messy adhesives.

Missing Teeth FAQs

Read through our frequently asked questions about missing teeth. If you have more questions, we would love to help you find the answers.

Can missing teeth affect my speech?

Missing teeth can affect how you pronounce certain sounds. Losing teeth changes how your tongue moves and how air flows when you talk. This can cause lisping, whistling sounds, or difficulty pronouncing certain words. Some people find it harder to make certain sounds clearly. The more teeth you’re missing, the more noticeable the speech changes will be.

How do missing teeth affect my bite and jaw alignment?

Missing teeth can really mess up your bite and jaw alignment. When you lose a tooth, the teeth next to it can shift into the empty space. This can make your bite uneven and change how your teeth fit together. Over time, this can lead to jaw problems, make it harder to chew, and even cause headaches or jaw pain.

Will my teeth move if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

Yes, your teeth will move if you don’t replace a missing tooth. When there’s an empty space, the teeth next to it can slowly move into that space. This can lead to an uneven bite, making it harder to chew properly. Over time, this can cause problems like jaw pain and extra wear on your teeth.

Are dental implants a good option for missing teeth?

Dental implants are often a great choice for missing teeth. They look and feel like natural teeth, let you eat and speak normally, and can last a lifetime with good care. They also help keep your jawbone healthy. However, they cost more upfront and require surgery. For many people, the long-term benefits make implants worth considering.

What are my nonsurgical options for tooth replacement?

There are several nonsurgical options for missing teeth. These will give you a natural-looking smile without surgery:

  • Dental bridges: These use nearby teeth to support fake teeth in the gap.
  • Removable partial dentures: These clip onto your remaining teeth to fill in gaps.
  • Full dentures: These replace all your teeth and sit on your gums.
  • Resin-bonded bridges: These attach to nearby teeth with special glue.

Will my insurance cover tooth replacement procedures?

Insurance coverage for tooth replacement varies depending on your plan. Many dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of bridges, dentures, or implants. However, they often have yearly limits and will only pay a portion of the total cost. Check with your insurance company or ask our office to help you understand your coverage before treatment.

Are there any risks or complications with tooth replacement?

Yes, there are some risks and complications with tooth replacement. These can include infection, damage to nearby teeth or nerves, and problems with how the replacement fits. There’s a small chance that dental implants might not fuse well with your jawbone. Talk to your dentist about these risks and how to avoid them.


Schedule an Appointment Today to Replace Your Missing Teeth in Towson, MD

Do you want to replace one or more missing teeth? Call (410) 828-1177 or request a consultation with Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson on our website. If you have any questions about our restorative solutions, let us know during your consultation. We will be happy to help.