Congenitally Missing Teeth: What Are My Tooth Replacement Options?

Patients with congenitally missing teeth typically find that both the appearance and the function of their smiles are negatively affected as a result. Dental implants can help to fill in the empty spaces in such cases.

If you are missing teeth as a result of a congenital abnormality, you can work with an oral surgeon to correct the issue. You may need to consult with an orthodontist as well, in order to create the appropriate spacing and positioning of both your biological teeth as well as the dental implants.

Dental implants offer a structurally complete tooth replacement, in which the surrounding bone bonds with the dental implant and renders it a root-like structure. This characteristic gives patients a number of advantages over other alternatives. Patients with congenitally missing teeth may also experience jawbone erosion as a result, but dental implants help to prevent this outcome by stabilizing the jaw.

Furthermore, when dental implants are used as a tooth replacement, the connection between the jaw and the bone helps the device to withstand stronger chewing forces. In fact, the chewing function of dental implants closely approximates that of a biological tooth.

Additionally, dental implants do not affect surrounding teeth because they can stand alone. They do not require crowns to be placed on adjacent teeth, a process that can potentially compromise the integrity of those teeth.

While the treatment timeline can take several months in cases that require collaboration with an orthodontist, the dental implant placement procedure itself is relatively brief. The oral surgeon can insert the dental implants in the jaw in an outpatient surgery that is completed in just a few hours. Patients will receive specific instructions on the care of their dental implants while the osseointegration process is completing.

Do you have congenitally missing teeth? If so, you should explore dental implants as a possible solution. Speak to one of our expert providers at Stonebriar Facial & Oral Surgery to learn more about the benefits of this treatment option and determine whether it might be a good choice for you. Call our Frisco, TX office at 214-618-3070 today to schedule your visit.