Missing teeth affect more than your smile, they can change how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself, and left unreplaced, they can affect the surrounding teeth and jawbone too. At Eastern Dental Group in Wantirna South, we offer a full range of replacement options to help restore function and confidence.
Call (03) 9887 0822When a tooth is lost and not replaced, the surrounding teeth can gradually drift and tilt into the gap, disrupting your bite and making the remaining teeth harder to clean, which raises the risk of decay and gum disease. The opposing tooth, no longer meeting a surface when biting, can begin to over-erupt out of its socket.
Perhaps most significantly, the jawbone beneath the gap begins to resorb, shrinking in volume and density, because it's no longer being stimulated by the root of a tooth. Over time this can affect the shape of the face and make future tooth replacement more complex. Addressing missing teeth sooner rather than later helps avoid this chain of consequences.
The most appropriate option depends on your oral health, bone levels, and personal goals.
A titanium post placed in the jawbone that acts as an artificial root, topped with a custom crown. Preserves the jawbone and doesn't involve adjacent teeth.
Post can last decades with proper care; crown may need replacement over time.
Uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors to support a false tooth in between, without surgery.
Typically lasts 10–15 years.
Removable full or partial appliances that replace multiple or all missing teeth.
Generally need relining or replacement every 5–10 years.
Combines the stability of implants with the coverage of dentures for patients missing many or all teeth.
More stable and longer-lasting than conventional dentures.
Surrounding teeth can gradually drift and tilt into the gap, the opposing tooth can over-erupt, and the jawbone beneath the gap begins to shrink since it's no longer stimulated by a tooth root. Over time this can affect facial shape and make future replacement more complex.
Dental implants, dental bridges, full or partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures. The most appropriate option depends on your oral health, bone levels, and personal goals.
For patients with good general health and sufficient jawbone, a dental implant is a widely recommended option, it doesn't require altering the adjacent healthy teeth, and it helps preserve the jawbone beneath it. Where implants aren't suitable, a bridge is a reliable fixed alternative.
An implant is a standalone titanium post placed in the jawbone that preserves bone and doesn't involve adjacent teeth. A bridge anchors a false tooth between two crowns placed over the healthy teeth on either side, which need to be reshaped, and doesn't prevent bone loss beneath the gap.
The jawbone that previously supported the tooth root no longer receives the stimulation it needs, and begins to resorb, shrinking over time. This process can begin within weeks of tooth loss if the gap isn't filled with a root-bearing replacement such as an implant.
Implants suit most healthy adults with sufficient jawbone to support the post. Factors that can affect suitability include insufficient bone volume, uncontrolled diabetes, certain medications, and heavy smoking. A thorough assessment, including X-rays and a review of your medical history, determines whether implants are right for you.
Book online, or call us directly on (03) 9887 0822.
Call our friendly team or book online, we'd love to help you find a time that works.
