Indianapolis dentist offers affordable solutions for tooth loss, including dentures

Studies indicate that nearly 180 million Americans have lost at least one tooth, with up to 40 million having lost all of their teeth. Aging complicates the condition, with approximately 30 percent of seniors, aged 65 – 74, having no natural teeth.

Tooth loss at any age can have a devastating impact on a person, and may occur for several reasons, including:

• Lack of an established relationship with a professional dental team
• Insufficient brushing, flossing, and oral hygiene
• Failure to treat initial tooth loss, which can cause surrounding teeth to loosen, shift, and fall out
• Tooth decay, gum disease, and trauma
• Certain medical conditions
• Family history of tooth loss
• Poor nutrition
• Smoking or tobacco use

When tooth loss occurs, patients should consult their dental team for a consultation and an individualized plan of care. At Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis, Dr. Matthew Church provides several affordable and effective solutions for patients who are missing one, several, or all of their teeth. Based upon a patient’s lifestyle, goals, and unique needs, they may include:

Dental implants

Now considered the premier treatment for permanent tooth replacement, a dental implant is inserted into the jaw and serves as an artificial root. Because the bone of the jaw requires stimulation to preserve density and keep healthy surrounding teeth in place, an implant can significantly reduce the risk that nearby teeth shift into the space created by the loss. Once the post of the implant naturally fuses with the bone, an abutment is attached to the implant and is topped with a sturdy dental crown. Dental implants look, feel, and function like healthy natural teeth.

Dental bridges

Whether one or several teeth in a row are missing, a dental bridge fits into the space between healthy teeth. The bridge keeps nearby teeth in proper position and is anchored on both sides with dental crowns. The crowns may be bonded onto healthy remaining teeth or to dental implants.

Dentures

For decades, dentures were often the only viable treatment for loss of teeth. They remain an affordable alternative for patients who may not have enough bone density or healthy gum tissue necessary for a dental implant or for patients who are missing all of their teeth. Dentures are available as partial prosthetics for patients missing some of their teeth, or as complete, for those missing an entire arch of teeth.

Call us today at Washington Street Dentistry at for more information about options for tooth loss.

Tooth loss doesn’t have to break the bank. Indianapolis patients can find affordable dentures at Washington Street Dentistry. Call us today at (317) 333-6788.

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