Periodontics & Implantology Blog

So, you’re missing some teeth. Despite the stigma surrounding this phenomenon, it is actually fairly common for adults to be missing some or all of their teeth. Don’t believe us? Well, nearly 70 percent of people aged 35 to 44 have at least one missing tooth, and 1 in 4 people over 74 years of age are missing all of their teeth. The numbers don’t lie. It is important to recognize and address the issue of tooth loss, finding a solution that works for you and your needs. Tooth loss is nothing to be ashamed of, but neglecting to address the problem of missing teeth can have some very bad impacts on your oral and overall health.

Tooth loss is more common among adults than you might think; more than 35 million people in the United States are missing some or all of their teeth. Therefore, if, as an older American you are dealing with tooth loss, don’t feel alone or out of options.

“But wait,” you might be thinking. “I don’t want to be stuck with the hassle of dentures for the rest of my life!”It’s true that many people report that life with dentures is full of strain and discomfort, especially when dentures rely on the support of something as unstable, tender and movable as your gum tissue. Luckily for you, dentures are by no means your only option.

So, what if we told you that you can replace a whole arch of teeth with only four dental implants? And what if we told you that you could have a whole new smile in a mere day? No, it’s not too good to be true — all of this and more is possible with all-on-4 dental implants!

Pro football player and now television celebrity Michael Strahan sports a huge gap between his front teeth that has become a trademark for him. And while Michael can carry this off, most normal people feel self-conscious when they have large gaps or missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause gaps in the remaining teeth. Not only can missing teeth realign remaining teeth in unattractive ways, they can also cause problems with chewing, leading some to nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, tooth loss commonly causes loss of bone density and gum tissue.

There are several options when missing teeth become a problem – and it’s not an uncommon problem. According to the American Dental Association, the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth. When addressing missing teeth, you and your periodontist may have several choices, depending on your situation.