I need help with missing teeth

What options do I have if I am missing one or more teeth?

If missing teeth are affecting your confidence or your ability to chew, we can help bring them back.

How do I know if I am about to lose a tooth?

Sometimes losing a tooth can come as a shock. A leading cause of tooth loss is injury or accident – from collisions on the sports field to cycling crashes, car accidents, or simply falling over. At other times, there are clear warning signs. If you have a tooth that is loose or has been damaged for a while, your bite suddenly feels misaligned, or you’re experiencing the symptoms of advanced gum disease, you may be at risk of losing teeth.

Why do I have a missing tooth?

There are several reasons you might lose a tooth. It can happen through injury or accident, or because of a dental problem. Periodontitis, which is a serious form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue surrounding your teeth, can eventually destroy the bones that support them. When that happens, your teeth become loose and may fall out. Other causes include advanced tooth decay and medical issues like diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, and poor nutrition. Smoking also increases your chances of tooth loss.

What treatments are available for missing teeth?

We offer a wide range of advanced treatments to replace your missing teeth and restore your natural smile.

Featured
Dental check-ups and x-rays
Dental check-ups and x-rays

Catch the little problems before they get big

Regular dental check-ups are the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

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Dentures
Dentures

Restoring your Natural Smile when you have lost your teeth

If tooth loss is causing you embarrassment or difficulty, custom-made dentures could be the solution.

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Bridges
Bridges

Replace missing teeth and restore your smile

You don’t have to put up with a gap in your smile. Dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth.

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Veneers
Veneers

Permanently restore your chipped, worn, or stained teeth

Transform your smile forever with natural-looking veneers that improve the colour and shape of your teeth.

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CEREC 3D instant teeth
CEREC 3D instant teeth

Same-day crowns that fit better, look nicer, and last longer

No more waiting! With CEREC, we can make and fit your crown in one visit.

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An attractive woman smiles confidently, showing her healthy and strong teeth after a visit to dentist, Dr Dave Richards, of Natural Smile Dental St Heliers, Auckland.
The luxurious, clean, quality Natural Smile Dental clinic in St Heliers, Auckland provides dental and cosmetic services using advanced technology for a stress-free dentist visit.

Common questions about missing teeth

  • Depending on the location of your missing tooth, you might not notice it. But even if it’s not visible when you smile or talk, it can still cause you problems when talking or eating, or affect the shape of your face. If you’re not sure whether your tooth needs replacing, it’s a good idea to discuss potential problems with your dentist.

  • Most people replace missing teeth for cosmetic reasons, but it’s also important to do it for your dental health. A missing tooth can affect your bite, speech and eating choices. As you rely more on your remaining teeth, you increase the chance they will wear out prematurely, or be damaged or lost. You may also experience headaches and/or jaw pain.

  • There are several options to replace your lost teeth, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. The right solution for you will depend on how many teeth are missing, where they are located, and your overall oral health. The advanced technology we use at Natural Smile means our implants often cost less than you would pay elsewhere.

  • If your tooth is accidentally knocked out, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you can’t see a dentist, you should head to your local emergency clinic or hospital ED. If you can find the tooth, take it with you.

  • Accidents happen, but they’re not the only cause of tooth loss. Gum disease is a major factor in losing teeth, and you can help to keep your gums healthy by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for a check-up and a professional clean.

  • The cost of replacing your lost teeth will depend on which treatment is right for you. Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. Come and see us to discuss your options and we’ll let you know how much the most suitable solution will cost.