Should I Replace My Missing Teeth? Answering Common FAQs About Tooth Loss

If you’ve lost one or more teeth in Oak Park, you may not be sure what to do next. Should you replace your missing teeth? Why does it matter? And what are your options if you do decide to explore tooth replacement? We’ll answer all of these questions and more in this blog from the office of Murphy Dental Group, PLLC.

Should I Replace My Missing Teeth?

Absolutely. If you don’t replace your missing teeth, you may experience a lot of negative effects on your oral health and your lifestyle, such as:

• Teeth shifting toward the empty socket in your mouth, causing changes in the alignment of your bite and teeth
• Bone loss below the missing tooth, which can negatively affect your appearance and overall oral health
• Difficulties eating properly and speaking clearly
• Reduced self-esteem and confidence due to the social stigma of losing one or more teeth
  

The sooner you replace your missing teeth the sooner you can solve these issues, and know that you’ll be able to protect your oral health and get back to your normal day-to-day routine.

How Soon Can I Replace A Missing Tooth?

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction in Oak Park, you will usually need to wait until the area has healed before you can replace it. When the area is fully healed, you can see your Oak Park dentist to replace the tooth. 

If you have had a missing tooth for a while, though, you can usually have it replaced right away. However, you will need to see a dentist to make sure your mouth is healthy and to discuss your options for replacing the tooth. 

What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?

The most common tooth replacement options include:

• Partial dentures, which replace several teeth and are held in place by attaching to your healthy teeth
• Full dentures, which replace all of your upper, lower, or both arches of teeth. These are a good option if you’ve lost most or all of your teeth.
• Dental bridges, which use two crowns that are permanently attached to your teeth to support one or more false teeth that “bridge” the gap in your smile.‍
• Dental implants, which are small pieces of metal that are surgically placed into your gums and jaw. They heal and attach to the jaw bone permanently. Implants act as artificial tooth roots, and can support a single crown, or multiple teeth with an implant-supported bridge or a set of implant-supported dentures.
  

How Much Will Tooth Replacement Cost?

This depends on the method of tooth replacement you choose, how many teeth you’re missing, whether or not you need any additional surgeries or procedures to prepare for tooth replacement, and a variety of other factors. 

The best way to get an estimate is to see Dr. Murphy for a consultation. He can discuss all of your options for tooth replacement, and help you find a solution that meets your needs and your budget.

Contact The Office Of Murphy Dental Group, PLLC To Replace Your Teeth In Oak Park

We hope that the answers to these FAQs have been informative, and if you’d like to learn more and take the first steps toward restoring your smile, our team is here to help. Just contact us online or give us a call at (708) 524-0330 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Murphy, and find out more about your options for tooth replacement in Oak Park.