Understanding missing teeth & tooth loss

Watch a quick & educational video about missing teeth and what that means for you and your oral health.

Did you know? 178 million Americans are missing at least on of their teeth. For a comparison, in 2014, there were 171 million smartphones in the United States. This means you are just as likely to see someone with a smartphone as you are to see someone missing a tooth.

What causes missing teeth?

• Sometimes the adult tooth simply never forms during childhood
• Sometimes the adult ooth simply never forms during childnood
• sometimes a cavity can go so deep that the tooth has to be removed to prevent damage to the tissue around it
• And sometimes a tooth gets knocked out due to an injury

What do you do when a tooth is knocked out?

• When a tooth gets knocked out, taking proper action quickly increases the chances of saving the tooth
• First, make sure the person is OK and call for help if needed
• Be sure to only handle the tooth by the top and never touch the roots
• If the tooth is dirty rinse it under cold water for 10 seconds
• If possible, place the tooth back in the socket
• if the tooth cannot be placed back in the socket, place it in milk or saline solution until you can get emergency dental care
• If no other options are available, the tooth can be placed back in the mouth and held in the cheek. DO NOT LET THE TOOTH DRY OUT.
• Finally, seek dental treatment as soon as possible.

Why replace a missing tooth?

• Like a block wall, your teeth are designed to work together to maintain the proper structure and function of your mouth
• When a few blocks are missing the wall will still stand but it is not as strong as it once was
• In the mouth a number things happen when a space is created
• The root of the tooth works to support the bone and tissue in the mouth
• With no tooth to support and stimulate the tissues, they eventually are resorbed into the body and the surround teeth will slowly move into the empty space
• When the teeth move, they will begin to hit in ways they were not meant to

What treatment options are there for missing teeth?

• Fortunately, Dr. Christopher Walker has received special training on the latest techniques and technology to replace missing teeth
• After a specialized exam, your doctor will work to help you find a solution that matches your needs

Alamo Heights Implant Center is located in Alamo Heights, San Antonio, TX 78209. Dr. Christopher Walker and his team treat patients from Alamo Heights, Terrell Heights, Olmos Park, The Dominion, & Downtown San Antonio. Specializing in dental implants, gum surgery, gummy smile reconstruction, bone grafting, sinus lifts, and botox.