Are your missing teeth in your smile zone? Are lost teeth preventing you from enjoying and showing off your smile?

Your teeth and jawbone support the skin and muscles on your face. Without tooth structures, you can experience many adverse symptoms that affect your appearance. Effects such as facial sagging, gum disease, cavities, and further tooth loss can occur.

Dr. Jason Petkevis is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Our Chester Springs, PA, dentist office near you is experienced in replacing missing teeth with various dental treatments and techniques. With the latest technological advances in dental care, you can rest assured that an experienced dental team will perform your dental care.

Whether you are missing teeth because of an injury or accident, gum disease, tooth decay, or age, we have the right restorative dental treatments to fit your needs and budget. We also treat many other common dental concerns.

Why Should I Replace My Missing Teeth?

Tooth loss creates many problems for patients, from serious medical conditions to emotional and social concerns. Missing teeth should be treated as quickly as possible. Once a tooth is lost, the bone begins to deteriorate. It will continue to deteriorate if no treatment is sought, making replacement options more and more difficult. Tooth loss can potentially affect other teeth as well.

• Without supporting structure, neighboring teeth will shift, causing crooked teeth issues.
• This can also give bacteria more opportunities to infect your gums. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
• Dental cavities can develop more easily on nearby teeth.
• Facial sagging can start to occur.

Missing Teeth Treatment Options

There are several options available to patients with missing teeth. Dr. Petkevis will perform a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose your specific condition and make recommendations for the best long-term results. Our goal is to restore your smile to its natural function and improve your oral health and aesthetics.

• Dental Implants – Dental implants are a permanent solution for tooth loss, with a more than 95% success rate. Many patients prefer implants to other prosthetics because they look and feel like natural teeth. Dental implants are secure and stable, allowing you to eat, laugh, and smile confidently. Unlike dentures, they do not require additional maintenance or nightly removal.
• Dentures and Partial Dentures – Dr. Petkevis offers a variety of dentures, including implant-supported dentures. Permanent implant-supported dentures offer better retention and long-term benefits than traditional removable ones.
• Dental Bridges—Teeth bridges can replace one or more missing teeth. Many types of dental bridges are available, and modern bridges look more natural than ever. We can also use dental implants to create permanent implant-secured dental bridges. Similar to implant dentures, implant-secured bridges are permanent, do not require special maintenance, and are extremely long-lasting.

Missing Teeth FAQs

Replacing missing teeth is essential for your oral health. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.

What is the most natural way to replace my missing teeth?

A dental implant-supported restoration is the most effective and natural way to replace teeth. This solution offers many more aesthetic and health benefits. Dental implants help prevent bone loss and help your face maintain its natural shape. They will secure the restoration without worrying about it slipping around, falling out, or causing slurred speech.

My missing tooth is in the back of my mouth. Do I have to replace it?

Just because you cannot see the missing tooth when you smile doesn’t mean you shouldn’t replace it. The gap will cause your remaining teeth to shift, leading to painful bite issues. The surrounding teeth will become crooked, and new gaps may even appear that will affect your smile. It will also affect your ability to chew certain foods.

How long can I go without replacing missing teeth?

We recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible to prevent teeth from shifting in your mouth. If a tooth needs to be extracted, we recommend waiting 4-6 months to let the area heal before replacing it. The longer you leave the gap, the more your teeth will move.

When is it too late to replace missing teeth?

It’s never too late to replace missing teeth. While treatment is always better sooner rather than later, you can always replace the missing tooth and fill the gap it left. We’ll examine the area, determine if the bone structure is sound, and determine the best tooth replacement choice for your needs.

How common are missing teeth?

By age 50, the average American adult has lost an average of 12 teeth, including the wisdom teeth. 69% of adults in the 35-44 age range are missing at least one tooth. In adults 65-74, 26% have lost all their teeth.

I cannot afford dental implants. What are my options?

We understand paying for dental implants can seem impossible for some. Thanks to advances in dental technology, other options, such as bridges and dentures, are well-made and look more natural than before. These options are better for your oral health than doing nothing. Our helpful office staff can also review dental implants’ financial aspects. We offer financing options, will file your claim with your dental insurance to maximize your benefits, and offer many flexible payment options.

Schedule a Consultation to Replace Missing Teeth

You should not have to suffer from the emotional or physical pain that comes with missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jason Petkevis to learn about replacing missing teeth and which options are best for you. Call us at 610–400–1459 or schedule an appointment online today.