Missing teeth are a serious problem. For young children, it might seem amusing, but for adults, it's a different story. Besides being unsightly, this problem can also harm your oral health.
Replacing missing teeth is very important. That's why dental professionals consider extraction a last resort when it comes to saving a damaged tooth.
You might think it's acceptable to leave a gap, but this could trigger a whole host of dental problems later on.
- Teeth can shift and leave your bite uneven.
Your teeth depend on each other to function properly. They keep each other in the correct position.
Much like a domino effect, when you lose teeth, only the adjacent teeth seem affected at first. But if you don't treat the problem, your entire mouth and even the rest of your body will suffer the consequences.
The teeth shift from their position, resulting in an imbalance of occlusion and increased pressure on all teeth.
- You are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease.
New spaces can appear between your teeth as they become misaligned. Food debris and bacteria can accumulate there, multiply, and cause discomfort and bad breath.
Furthermore, the problem can only worsen because misaligned teeth make brushing and flossing more difficult. When plaque builds up, your gums can become infected.
Failure to replace a missing tooth can also lead to problems with the joints and muscles of the jaw.
- Your face may appear sagging.
Missing teeth can also lead to deterioration of the jawbone and sagging of the facial muscles. You might look older, which could cause you embarrassment.
Your lifestyle could also change in many ways. For example, eating the firm, crunchy, and chewy foods you love so much could become difficult.
Your teeth are designed to help you chew your food properly. Missing one or more teeth can reduce the amount of nutrients absorbed by your body and can cause digestive problems.
- You may feel less confident.
The discomfort associated with tooth loss can also impact your self-confidence.
You might start to feel self-conscious. You might not smile or laugh as naturally as you'd like. You might avoid having your picture taken or choose to smile with your mouth closed. You might also notice changes in your speech.
How can dental implants help?
Whether you are looking to replace one or more teeth, implants offer a better alternative to dentures and bridges.
They can replace the entire tooth, from root to crown. The implant and titanium abutment are invisible because they act as an artificial root. Since the goal is for the implant to fuse with the jawbone, it's essential to ensure sufficient bone mass to support it.
You have to wait for the supporting bone and tissues to heal, which can take from six to nine months, depending on your case.
Once the bone and tissues have healed, we install the abutment where the artificial tooth will be anchored. You'll have a brand new smile, as if you'd never lost a tooth. Implant-supported crowns or dentures are also easy to clean and won't prevent you from eating certain types of food.
Once the treatment is complete, your replacement teeth will stay in place. You can speak, smile, laugh, and eat as you please. Your self-confidence will be boosted, and your overall health will improve.
Learn more about tooth replacement options today
Don't ignore missing teeth. The problems that result from them can only become more painful and more expensive to solve.
If you have missing teeth, we invite you to schedule an initial consultation at our dental clinic. This visit is without obligation. We will examine your oral health and discuss possible solutions with you.
It's up to you whether you want to commit to treatment or not, but we encourage you to get your smile back. Not just for photos, but for your overall well-being.
