Millions of adults live with missing teeth, but prosthodontists offer specialized solutions to restore health, function, and confident smiles.
Douglas G. Benting, D.D.S., M.S., FACP
President, American College of Prosthodontists
Kenneth S. Kurtz, D.D.S., FACP
President-Elect, American College of Prosthodontists
How common is it for an individual to be missing a tooth?
Douglas G. Benting: Missing a tooth is a very common occurrence, so you are not alone! About half of all U.S. adults (ages 20 and older) are missing at least one tooth. As we age, tooth loss becomes even more common. In fact, about 1 in 2 adults over age 65 are missing six or more teeth. Around 12% of adults lose all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, a condition called edentulism.
How does missing one tooth affect an individual’s life? What about multiple?
Kenneth S. Kurtz: Even one missing tooth can severely impact an individual’s confidence, oral health, and overall health. A gap in your smile, especially in a visible area, can make you feel self-conscious when talking, smiling, or laughing. People often chew on the side with more teeth, increasing wear and the risk of further damage.
DB: An opening in either jaw can cause teeth to tilt and shift, since teeth naturally move into the space where other teeth are missing. This results in more complex dental treatment, the longer the issues go untreated.
What are some reasons a patient may be missing teeth?
KK: Each patient is unique, but some common causes of missing teeth include tooth decay, loss of the supporting structure due to gum disease, and injuries that damage the tooth or jaw. In some cases, people are actually born missing some or all teeth, a condition known as congenitally missing teeth. No matter the cause, the good news is that there are treatment options available to help restore your smile!
Who should patients seek out when needing to replace missing teeth?
DB: If you’re looking to replace missing teeth, a prosthodontist is the dental specialist best equipped to help. Prosthodontists complete three additional years of advanced training after dental school, focusing specifically on handling the most complex oral health restorations. This extra education gives them a deep understanding of the latest techniques, materials, and technologies used to rebuild healthy, natural-looking smiles.
KK: Prosthodontists are highly skilled at creating personalized treatment plans that fit your unique needs, whether you’re missing one tooth or many. They often work closely with other dental specialists to ensure the best possible outcome. Thanks to their specialized training, prosthodontists are uniquely qualified to handle complex cases and help patients regain comfort, function, and confidence in their smile.
What are some of the treatment options?
DB: For one or two missing teeth, a dental implant with a crown, which replaces the tooth root and visible part of the tooth, or a dental bridge, which uses neighboring teeth for support to fill the gap, can result in excellent outcomes. When several teeth are missing, multiple implants can be used to support a fixed denture that stays in place along the upper or lower jaw. Another option is a removable denture, which can be taken out for cleaning. These can be used as a long-term solution or as a temporary option while preparing for more permanent treatment. A prosthodontist can help you decide which approach is best for your needs, comfort, and lifestyle.
KK: There are several effective ways to replace missing teeth, and the best option depends on how many teeth are missing, where they’re located, and your overall oral health. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment like braces can help fill the space of a missing tooth.
What sets prosthodontists apart from other dental professionals?
KK: Prosthodontists are the dental specialists focused on the restoration and replacement of teeth, with a deep understanding of how any treatment must also work with the natural movements of the jaw, lips, and tongue. Their goal with each patient is to create a smile that looks natural, feels comfortable, and functions properly. They use advanced dental technologies, including computerized planning software, to carefully design your treatment and even show you a preview of the expected results. This combination of specialized training and modern tools helps prosthodontists deliver personalized care and beautiful, lasting outcomes.
DB: If you could benefit from the care of a prosthodontist, visit GoToAPro.org to find a prosthodontist near you!
