Affordable Tooth Replacement Solutions in Chesapeake, Maryland

Dealing With Missing Teeth in Chesapeake, Maryland

Losing one or more teeth can greatly impact your quality of life. Besides issues with chewing and speech, missing teeth can also cause facial sagging over time. Thankfully, residents of Chesapeake have excellent options when it comes to replacing missing teeth.

Causes of Tooth Loss

There are several potential causes of tooth loss in adults:

• Gum disease - Infection and inflammation can destroy tooth-supporting bone
• Tooth decay - Cavities left untreated can lead to tooth fractures
• Injury - Trauma from sports, accidents, etc. can knock teeth out
• Aging - Years of wear and tear take their toll on tooth longevity

Consequences of Missing Teeth

When one or more permanent teeth are lost, you may experience:

• Crooked looking smile with dark spaces
• Challenges eating and chewing certain foods
• Embarrassment speaking, smiling, laughing
• Jaw, headache, and TMJ pain
• Sunken cheeks from face and mouth sagging
• Higher risk of infection in remaining teeth

Tooth Replacement Solutions in Chesapeake

Modern dentistry offers tooth replacement methods that are comfortable, convenient, and look completely natural. Depending on your specific case, Chesapeake dentists may recommend options like:

Bridges

A bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A bridge has crowns cemented onto the teeth surrounding the gap, with replacement teeth fused between them to fill in the space.

Bridges are a time-tested tooth replacement option that can last a decade or more with proper oral care. They allow you to smile, speak, eat with confidence, and prevent facial sagging.

Dental Implants

Dental implants involve surgically placing artificial tooth roots made of titanium into the jawbone. After the bone fuses tightly to the implants in a process called osseointegration, replacement teeth are secured onto the implant posts.

Implants are the premier tooth replacement solution today. They fuse so well with bone that they keep the jaw structure stimulated and halt bone loss. With proper care, implants mimic natural teeth in functionality and can last decades.

Maryland Bridges

Similar to traditional bridges, Maryland bridges also bridge gaps between teeth. However, unlike regular bridges, Maryland bridges only require crowns to be placed on one adjacent tooth rather than two.

This makes Maryland bridges less invasive and more affordable than conventional bridgework. They can effectively restore the look of a bright healthy smile in only two dental visits.

Which Solution is Right for Me?

The ideal tooth replacement option for you depends on factors like:

• Number of teeth missing
• Overall dental and medical health
• Jawbone condition
• Budget for treatment
• Desired longevity of restoration

Schedule an exam with your Chesapeake dentist to discuss which tooth replacement options make the most sense in your unique situation.

Affordable Tooth Replacement in Chesapeake

Replacing lost teeth used to be cost prohibitive for those with limited budgets. However, with more competition in the dental industry, plus manufacturing innovations around dental devices, quality tooth replacement is now accessible to most people regardless of income.

Dental Insurance & Discounts

Many Chesapeake dental clinics offer special discounts on common tooth replacement procedures. They also work closely with leading dental insurance providers like Delta Dental and United Concordia to maximize your policy benefits.

In addition, most dentists offer no-interest monthly payment plans through companies like CareCredit to cover out-of-pocket expenses beyond what insurance covers.

Dental Schools & Clinics

Tooth replacement services performed by students in training under licensed faculty supervision at respected teaching institutions like:

• University of Maryland School of Dentistry
• Howard University College of Dentistry

Can cost 30-50% less than private practices. Make sure to inquire about low cost or reduced fee dental care in Chesapeake to access quality tooth replacement on almost any budget.

Consult a Chesapeake Dentist Today!

If you have suffered the loss of permanent teeth, meet with a skilled local dentist to explore all your options for effective tooth replacement. With today's modern materials and techniques, you can restore a beautiful healthy smile you can enjoy again for years to come.

FAQs

What are the main causes of tooth loss in adults?

The main causes of adult tooth loss are gum disease, untreated tooth decay leading to fracture, injury from trauma, and simple aging as years of wear and tear take their toll.

Do missing teeth always need to be replaced?

It is highly recommended to replace any missing permanent teeth. Leaving gaps can lead to dental problems in remaining teeth, speech issues, infections, jawbone loss, facial sagging, and very unsightly smiles.

Which tooth replacement options provide the most durability?

Dental implants and conventional dental bridges when properly cared for can both last for decades by preventing bone loss and mimicking natural teeth.

Is a Maryland bridge less expensive than a regular bridge?

Yes, Maryland bridges don’t require adjacent teeth on both sides to be crowned, so utilize one less crown resulting in lower cost.

Can I really get quality tooth replacement on a tight budget?

Yes, through dental schools and clinics providing reduced cost care, insurance and discounts at private practices, and easy monthly payment plans, there are quality affordable options for most budgets.