Consequences of Losing Teeth

Losing teeth can cause discomfort and difficulty eating and speaking, but it also can negatively affect our jawbone.

Bone needs stimulation to maintain its form and density. When you lose teeth, your jawbone loses the stimulation it needs to stay strong and keep its form and begins to deteriorate.

Consequences of bone loss in the jaw include:

  • A 25% decrease in jawbone width, in just the first year of tooth loss
  • Change to face structure and aesthetics
  • Increased change of bone fracture in face and jaw
  • Movement of other teeth, creating bite misalignment
  • Possible TMJ pain from change in bite

Tooth Replacement Options

  • Dental implant

A dental implant is the most recommended tooth-replacement treatment because it restores the look, feel, and function of a real tooth, and because the implant fuses directly into the jawbone, it prevents bone loss. It also has over a 95% success rate—the highest of any tooth-replacement option.

Dental implants require a minor surgical procedure with local anesthesia. The implant is placed directly into the jawbone and capped with a lifelike dental crown, to give you the feel and function of your natural teeth.

  • Partial or full dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Partial dentures are used when only some teeth are missing, and put pressure on existing teeth and bones. This pressure can accelerate the bone loss process, and loosen any existing teeth.

  • Bridgework

Bridgework refers to the use of a false tooth to create a bridge between two healthy teeth. Bridgework relies on support from two adjacent, possibly healthy, teeth that must be filed down and capped, making them vulnerable to decay and root canal problems.

While they can restore the look of a real tooth, they do not address bone issues that occur after the loss of a tooth.

Both dentures and bridgework are less expensive than implants in the short-term, but don’t prevent bone loss and may need to be replaced themselves, making implants the best investment for long-term health, function, and aesthetics.

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Hours of Operation

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

We value our patients’ feedback. Read below what our happy patients say about us!

  • "Absolutely love my dentist and dental hygienist. If you want a knowledgeable, kind, and trustworthy dental clinic to go to this is the place!"
  • "Great staff: Courteous, professional, efficient. The office and treatment spaces are clean and comfortable. Dr. Courrier knows what he is doing and the entire staff is focused on my care while l am there. They seem to keep things on schedule, so l haven't experienced any waiting. The reception support staff has helped me to better understand my insurance benefits and utilize them efficiently. Thank You!"
  • "I’ve been going to see Dr. Courrier for over 20 years now. I always feel like family when I visit his office. He is amazing. Gentle. Knowledgeable. And his staff is kind and wonderful as well. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a change or new to the area."
  • "Everyone in the office was incredibly kind and knowledgeable. They helped me feel comfortable through my dental anxiety, and Dr. Courrier did great work fixing my tooth"
  • "I have been going to this dentist for over 25 years as have my kids. Jen is a fabulous hygienist, I suffer with TMJ issues and so she’s always sensitive to making sure that the work she does doesn’t affect my jaw issues. I would recommend Dr. Courrier and Dr. Boggeri dental services to anyone, they are fabulous"
  • "Great staff, they make you feel comfortable and at ease during your visit. Will definitely recommend to family and friends!!!"