Living with one or several missing teeth due to hypodontia can be an emotional rollercoaster not to mention a physically painful situation. Thankfully, dental solutions for hypodontia can help people gain self-confidence while improving their oral health and overall well-being. Keep reading to learn how.
What Is Hypodontia?
Hypodontia is a condition where a person is born missing one or more tooth buds. When developing in the womb, our teeth begin to take shape and grow known as odontogenesis. During the eruption stage, usually in late infancy or the early toddler years, a tooth breaks through the gumline.
In patients with hypodontia, there may be one or more teeth missing. This condition is caused by a number of factors, primarily genetic conditions but other leading causes ofhypodontia include medical conditions, trauma, dental issues and environmental factors.
The Unexpected Impact of Hypodontia
Physical Challenges
As hypodontia affects the physical structure of the mouth and jawline, physical challenges are a concern. If a person has smaller than average teeth or is missing teeth, it can cause abnormalities in the development of the jaw. This can lead to pain and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene and eating. The inability to properly bite and chew can also result in malnutrition and poor eating habits, leading to severe medical conditions.
Emotional and Social Challenges
Missing teeth can lead to heartbreaking social and emotional challenges, such as feelings of embarrassment, shame, guilt, anger, and even denial. There’s often a stigma around missing teeth and people are quick to assume it’s connected to poor oral care or a low financial stature. Hypodontia can lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and social isolation.
Financial Challenges
As hypodontia is a lifelong condition, it can take a financial toll on people due to constant checkups, dental appliances, surgeries and other forms of treatment. Aside from the costly dental therapies, people may require counselling which again, comes with a price tag. Most corporate and private dental insurance policies do not cover all of the specified treatments for hypodontia.
Exploring the Dental Solutions for Hypodontia in Etobicoke
Dental Implants
One of the more permanent treatments for hypodontia in Etobicoke is dental implants. This custom-molded prosthetic tooth is attached to a titanium metal post that is surgically implanted into the bone of the mouth.
Dental Bridges
In hypodontia cases where the area of the missing tooth or teeth, is adjacent to healthy teeth a dental bridge may be considered. This customized oral device has one or more teeth replicas anchored by dental crowns that are securely attached over the top of a healthy tooth.
Orthodontic Treatments
The are many orthodontic treatments available depending on the stage of hypodontia. If the permanent teeth are askew, crowded or have a large gap braces may be applied to promote the proper alignment of the teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Treatment for missing teeth often falls under cosmetic dentistry and aims to protect and improve your overall oral health. This can involve treatment for minor to major hypodontia conditions in the form of bonding, dentures and other dental appliances.
Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is used as a hypodontia treatment when the condition has damaged the jawbone. It is a surgical procedure wherein bone is taken from other places in the body, such as the leg, hip, or ribs, to repair the damaged area.
Common FAQ’s About Hypodontia
Is hypodontia preventable?
At this time, there are no preventive measures for hypodontia.
What are the symptoms of hypodontia?
The most obvious symptom is missing one or more teeth as an infant. Gaps, spaces, abnormally shaped teeth or small teeth can also indicate hypodontia. As the condition is caused by genetic disorders, a person with hypodontia may also have poor hearing or vision, the absence of sweat glands, thinning hair and/or nail bed defects.
What are the different types of hypodontia?
There are four types of hypodontia: congenitally missing teeth (CMT), tooth agenesis, oligodontia and anodontia.
How is hypodontia diagnosed?
A diagnosis is confirmed with a thorough examination of the mouth and with panoramic x-rays.
What are the treatment options for hypodontia?
Dental treatment for hypodontia may involve bonding, dental implants, dental prosthetics, orthodontic braces and/or other dental appliances.
How much does hypodontia treatment cost?
In Ontario, the cost of hypodontia treatment varies depending on the care provider, the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required. The procedures may range from $200 to $15,000.
How can I cope with the emotional and social challenges of hypodontia?
Hypodontia can affect people in different ways. People may need counselling services to deal with the psychological challenges of a diagnosis. While hypodontia is not directly related to a person’s oral care habits, it can lead to years of discomfort as people struggle to accept their appearance.
What are the long-term consequences of hypodontia?
Long-term, hypodontia can lead to periodontal damage, poor alveolar bone growth, malocclusion, chewing and speech problems and of course self-conscious appearance.
Reclaiming Your Smile in Etobicoke: Embracing Solutions, Building Confidence
To get a comprehensive hypodontia diagnosis and treatment plan from a dentist in Etobicoke, contact Princeview Dental Group. We have been providing cosmetic dentistry, regular check-ups, and dental emergency services in Etobicoke for more than 30 years and we can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Call us at (416) 231-4562 or complete our online form to book a consultation.
