Failing to replace a missing tooth can have long-term adverse effects on your dental and overall health. It can change the natural shape of your facial structures and affect your smile's appearance. It can also make you more vulnerable to periodontal disease, which happens to be the top cause of adult tooth loss, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
A missing tooth affecting one's appearance is the least of the adverse effects of not replacing it. This article looks at a few of the worst consequences and how they can impact dental and overall health.
One of the most severe consequences of not having a missing tooth replaced is the permanent bone loss that it leads to because the jaw is not getting the stimulation that it needs to remain healthy. Muscle tissues break down when they stop getting stimulated, and the same applies to bone tissues. Atrophy occurs, which leads to resorption. The bone tissue loss caused by missing teeth can negatively impact a person's ability to move their jaw, and some people develop jaw pain due to it.
The bone tissue breakdown also alters facial structures, leading to fine lines and wrinkles forming around the mouth. Dentists often recommend replacing missing teeth with dental implants because these are the only teeth replacement options that give the jawbone the stimulation that it needs to remain healthy. Dentures and bridges do not provide this benefit.
Teeth constantly apply pressure on each other due to their proximity. When one falls out, the remaining teeth often move closer to the gap left behind, in an attempt to close it up. This changes a person's bite as their teeth move out of their proper alignment.
Misaligned teeth are more vulnerable to decay, and they can cause other problems, like mouth pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches. Misaligned teeth can also lead to an improper bite, increasing the risk of the teeth getting damaged when chewing on food. Teeth-straightening treatments are usually needed to correct the bites of patients with poor alignment due to a missing tooth.
Missing teeth make people more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease, which are the two most common reasons that people seek dental care. This leads to higher dental bills in the future when the patient must get treatment for these issues.
Gum disease is responsible for most adult tooth loss, so people who fail to get a missing tooth replaced are likely to lose more teeth. Gum disease is also linked to serious health issues, like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, according to Healthline.
Our dentist regularly replaces missing teeth with oral prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and implants. Give us a call or drop by our Jenkintown clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mvpfamilydental.com or call MVP Family Dental at (215) 892-1438 for an appointment in our Jenkintown office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Jenkintown, PA.
It is helpful to understand the different types of dental bridges to determine why your dentist may recommend a specific one. All dental bridges accomplish the same goal, which is to replace a missing tooth or a section of missing teeth. However, depending on the patient’s goals and the status of their oral health, a…
A smile makeover is a dental process that addresses multiple cosmetic concerns. Each smile makeover treatment plan is customized for the patent and their specific treatment needs and goals. Common issues addressed during a smile makeover include teeth stains, damaged teeth (e.g., chips, cracks), enamel erosion, a gummy smile, and teeth loss. The benefits of a…
All-on-4 implants® is an excellent option for people looking for a permanent smile. They are increasing in popularity and are an ideal dental procedure for those who don’t want many implant posts or dentures. Dentures can often move around or need to be resized, resulting in frequent dental visits. All-on-4 provides patients with a same-day…
Dental bonding has long been a common method of tooth restoration. Your dentist has the knowledge and training to successfully perform this procedure. The dentist will also know when it is appropriate to use bonding to repair a tooth or other oral health or cosmetic issue. There are certain situations where this makes more sense…
It is helpful to understand the different types of dental bridges to determine why your dentist may recommend a specific one. All dental bridges accomplish the same goal, which is to replace a missing tooth or a section of missing teeth. However, depending on the patient’s goals and the status of their oral health, a…
A smile makeover is a dental process that addresses multiple cosmetic concerns. Each smile makeover treatment plan is customized for the patent and their specific treatment needs and goals. Common issues addressed during a smile makeover include teeth stains, damaged teeth (e.g., chips, cracks), enamel erosion, a gummy smile, and teeth loss. The benefits of a…
