When you lose a tooth, it’s more than just a cosmetic issue. Not replacing your missing tooth can lead to serious health problems. Here’s what you need to know about the risks of leaving a gap in your smile.
Why should I replace a missing tooth?
There’s more to missing teeth than just a missing pearly white. While getting a tooth extraction is not ideal, the implications that missing teeth can have on your physical and mental health should be taken into consideration when thinking about treatment options. Not only does missing a tooth cause discomfort in daily life, but it could also have long-term effects on your overall well-being.
Problems caused by missing teeth
More than just a cosmetic concern, having gaps in your teeth can lead to more profound problems. From day-to-day struggles such as speaking and eating to potential dental and health issues down the line, you should address this issue promptly.
Shifting teeth
Without the adjacent teeth providing support, the loss of one tooth can cause the remaining ones to drift out of place, with potentially serious consequences. Over time, this shifting could lead to dental difficulties or misalignment in your jawline. To guard against these risks and maintain a healthy mouth, it is paramount that lost teeth be replaced as soon as possible.
Difficulty speaking & chewing
Your teeth are integral to forming the syllables of your speech, as without them, you run the risk of sounding muddled and incomprehensible. Not only that, but they also play an essential role in aiding digestion by breaking down food into more manageable pieces before its entrance into your digestive tract. Without those pearly whites present, chewing becomes a much tougher task than usual.
Changes in facial structure
The roots of your teeth are not only necessary for chewing but also provide essential support to maintain the natural shape and volume of your cheeks and lips. If these foundations are not present, you may notice premature wrinkles appearing on your face as well as sunken cheeks, making you look older than expected! In severe cases of tooth loss, it can even change the contour of someone’s nose.
Gum disease
By losing a tooth, you are providing bacteria with an avenue to infect your gums, leading to inflammation and gum disease. This dangerous condition can damage the bones and connective tissues that hold your teeth in place, resulting in even more tooth loss if left untreated.
More tooth loss
Over time, misaligned teeth and shifts in your bite can lead to gum disease or tooth loss. In extreme cases, you may be unable to get dental implants without a bone graft if too much of the jawbone has been lost.
Overall Health Problems
Research has shown that individuals with missing teeth are more likely to face health issues, such as heart disease and stroke, though the particular reasoning is still undetermined. It is suspected that a heightened inflammation in the mouth may be behind this higher risk level. With an impaired capacity for biting, those who have lost their teeth will also find it difficult to consume nutritious food, which can lead to obesity and further raise their vulnerability to these ailments.
Solutions for Missing Teeth
Losing teeth can leave you feeling powerless, however, it doesn’t have to be that way! Our reputable dentist in El Paso, TX is here to help you find the optimal solution for your missing teeth circumstances. Here are some of the most frequent options available if you require a replacement:
Restore your teeth with dental implants
Modern dental implants make restoring missing teeth easier and more affordable than ever. Replacing missing teeth with implants can help you be more confident in your smile as well as improve your self-esteem. Dental implant surgery also helps preserve surrounding healthy teeth and jawbone, ensuring protection against other health risks down the line. Don’t let missing teeth bring down your quality of life – look into dental implants now and take care of your oral health!
Restoring teeth with bridges
Bridges provide a natural-looking and feeling solution to one or multiple missing teeth in the same area. Although bridges are more affordable than dental implants, they offer almost identical aesthetics!
Restore your smile with dentures
Missing teeth can be easily replaced with prosthetic dental appliances, known as dentures. Whether you need partial or complete dentures, they are a great solution for those who don’t have existing natural tooth structures to work with. In addition, these removable replacements offer the option of bonding and clasping onto pre-existing teeth or implants if desired.
Schedule your tooth replacement consultation today!
Your El Paso dentist wants you to be informed and aware of the health risks associated with having a missing tooth. Replacing your missing tooth is essential to enjoying a lifetime of good oral health, so don’t wait any longer – schedule your tooth replacement consultation today! Our comfortable atmosphere provides the perfect setting for an enjoyable conversation about the best option for you. Give us a call at (915) 263-8333 or reach out online to book an appointment and start the journey to restoring your smile!
