Missing Teeth

Missing Teeth Q&A

What causes missing teeth?

Several factors can lead to tooth loss, but the leading cause in adults is periodontal disease. Also called gum disease, periodontal disease develops from a bacterial infection in your gums.

In the earliest stage of gum disease, plaque builds up on the tooth. Plaque hardens into tartar — a substance that requires professional cleaning to remove. As tartar builds up and plaque continues to accumulate, the gums become irritated, and infection sets in.

When left untreated, gum disease damages the tissue that supports your teeth. As the infection progresses, you can experience bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, and ultimately, tooth loss. The best way to avoid periodontitis and protect your teeth is by practicing good oral hygiene and having preventive dental appointments with professional cleanings.

More than 36 million Americans are missing all of their teeth. Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry offers a wide range of denture options if you’re in this situation.

What are dentures/partials?

Dentures are removable oral prosthetics that replace all or a few missing teeth. You have some types of dentures to choose from, including:

• Full: Replacing all of your upper or lower teeth by resting on your gums
• Partial: Replacing a few missing teeth, held in place by natural teeth or crowns
• Implant-supported: Replacing upper teeth or lower teeth with implants anchored in your jaw

To provide an even more personalized and natural look, Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry also offers custom dentures.

How are dentures made?

Dr. Cottrill and the Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry team work closely with you to design your oral appliance and then make it on the premises.

They guide you through the process of selecting the best denture type for your needs. They take an impression they’ll use to make a model of your mouth. This assists with the design process and helps get you a comfortable fit.

The teeth in your dentures are made from various types of resin or porcelain to provide a natural look and feel. When they are complete, they’re set in a supportive base that resembles your gums. You can weigh in on the gum shade and texture, tooth shape and color, as well as the amount of ridging detail on the roof of the denture.

After your dentures are finished, Dr. Cottrill and the team can make adjustments to help you maintain a comfortable fit.

Call Nashville Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about their denture services.