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Are you missing a tooth? Maybe you’re missing several teeth. Perhaps you do not have any natural teeth remaining in your smile. Then again, you might have a missing tooth that simply never developed, rather than one that went away as the result of tooth loss. While there are clearly ways of explaining how many teeth are missing, you may be wondering about the technical terms we tend to use to describe different levels of loss. Your Temecula dentist is ready to offer some helpful terms, so you’ll know what we’re talking about if we slip into clinical jargon for a moment!

Edentulous

If you are “edentulous” this typically means you have lost all of your teeth. In such an instance, your Temecula dentist may suggest dentures or implants to replace your missing teeth. If you are missing just some of your teeth, this may be referred to as a “partially edentulous” smile.

Dentate

Now, let’s say you have all of your natural teeth at the moment. We use the term “dentate” to refer to a mouth that still retains all original natural teeth. In order to preserve your teeth and to avoid the need for replacements, your Temecula dentist suggests keeping on top of your oral health requirements for a safe, protected smile. This is as simple as brushing and flossing at home (and remembering that seeing us for cleanings and checkups two times a year is just as significant).

Hypodontia

This term refers to patients dealing with the congenital condition in which one or several permanent teeth simply fail to develop. Fortunately, we can help you address these open spaces with the help of prosthetics, such as partial dentures, dental implants, or dental bridges. Need our help? Just call!

See Us For Tooth Loss Concerns

Come in to talk with us about restoring your smile if you’re missing teeth! Give us a call in Temecula, CA to schedule a consultation with your dentist. We are proud to serve patients from Riverside, Temecula, Moreno Valley, Corona, and all surrounding California communities. To schedule an appointment, contact one of the following locations nearest to you:

Riverside Dental Group at Magnolia in Riverside, CA at (951) 689-5031.

Dental Associates of Moreno Valley in Moreno Valley, CA at (951) 697-6800.

Riverside Dental Group at Woodcrest in Riverside, CA at (951) 776-9001.

Oasis Family Dental in Temecula, CA at (951) 695-2290.

Dental Associates of Riverside in Riverside, CA at (951) 369-1001.

Dental Associates of Corona in Corona, CA at (951) 273-9580.