Do you have multiple missing teeth? Did you just knock out a permanent tooth? Dr. Rachel Barone provides compassionate and professional care to help patients replace missing teeth in Boulder, CO. She provides advanced dental technology and personalized treatment plans to treat your dental concerns. Dr. Barone can help you enjoy a complete and healthy smile again.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
You may think a missing tooth is only a cosmetic issue, especially if it’s not in a noticeable spot. But the truth is that replacing missing teeth is important for many reasons not just for how your smile looks, but for how your mouth works and how your overall health feels.
Here are a few of the most important reasons to replace missing teeth:
Improve How You Chew and Speak
Your teeth help you break down food properly so your body can digest it. When a tooth is missing, chewing can become uncomfortable or less effective. You may start avoiding certain foods altogether, which can affect your nutrition. Missing teeth can also make it harder to speak clearly, especially if they’re in the front of your mouth.
Prevent Shifting Teeth
Your teeth depend on each other to stay in place. When one is missing, the teeth next to it can start to move or tilt into the open space. This can lead to bite problems and even jaw pain over time. Replacing a missing tooth helps keep your other teeth in their proper positions.
Protect Jawbone Health
When a tooth is missing, the jawbone underneath it no longer gets the stimulation it needs. This can cause the bone to shrink or weaken. Over time, bone loss can change the shape of your face and make it harder to replace the tooth later. Dental implants are one way to stop bone loss and keep your jaw strong.
Boost Your Self-Confidence
You might feel self-conscious about smiling or talking around others if you’re missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth can improve your appearance. It can also give you the confidence to enjoy life without worrying about how your teeth look.
Missing Teeth Treatment in Boulder, CO
At Gunbarrel Dental Center, Dr. Barone offers several options for replacing missing teeth. Each option has its benefits, and the best choice for you depends on how many teeth you’re missing, your oral health, and your personal goals. Dr. Barone will carefully evaluate your needs and help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. An implant is a small titanium post that is placed into your jawbone to act like a tooth root. After it heals and bonds with the bone, we attach a restoration.
Benefits of dental implants include:
- They look and feel like real teeth
- They help preserve bone in your jaw
- They don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support
- They are very durable and can last for many years
Dental implants can replace one missing tooth, several teeth, or even all teeth when combined with bridges or dentures.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is another great option for replacing one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored in place by the healthy teeth next to the gap. These supporting teeth are usually covered with crowns.
We also offer implant-supported bridges, which are held in place by implants instead of natural teeth. These are a great option if you want extra support or if your nearby teeth aren’t strong enough for a traditional bridge.
Bridges fill the space left by missing teeth and prevent nearby teeth from shifting out of place. Implant bridges restore your ability to chew and speak normally. Dental bridges are strong, reliable, and can last many years with proper care.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances that replace several or all of your missing teeth. We provide complete dentures and partials. Full dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace just a few missing teeth and fit around your remaining natural teeth.
Today’s dentures are more comfortable and natural-looking than ever before. They are made to fit your mouth exactly, so you can eat, talk, and smile with more confidence.
We also offer implant dentures, which are supported by dental implants. These dentures stay firmly in place and don’t slip around in your mouth. Implant dentures help keep your jawbone healthy and can even improve the shape of your face by giving your cheeks and lips better support.
Which Tooth Replacement Option Is Right for You?
Choosing the best missing tooth treatment depends on your goals, oral health, and budget. During your consultation, Dr. Barone will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you make an informed decision.
Before recommending a treatment, she will also take digital X-rays of your mouth. These images help her get a complete view of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They show things like how much bone is available for an implant or whether your nearby teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge. With this information, Dr. Barone can create a treatment plan that fits your needs and sets you up for a successful result.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- How many teeth are missing?
- Are your gums and jawbone healthy?
- Do you want a fixed or removable solution?
- What is your timeline and budget?
Whether you’re interested in the stability of dental implants, the simplicity of bridges, or the affordability of dentures, Dr. Barone is here to help you find a solution that fits your life.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you want to eat the foods you love again? Restore missing teeth in Boulder, CO at Gunbarrel Dental Center. Call us today at 720-881-0614 or request an appointment with Dr. Barone online.
Let us know if you have questions about your options for tooth replacement. Dr. Barone will be happy to help you.