Hidden Drawbacks of Missing Teeth

When you lose a tooth, you may be quick to worry about the appearance of your smile or how difficult it may be to eat certain foods. While aesthetics and chewing function are certainly concerns of missing teeth, there are other less obvious consequences that you need to be aware of. Even one missing tooth in the back of your mouth can cause the following to occur:

Shifting Teeth
After a permanent tooth is gone (either from extraction or falling out), it is natural and expected for the adjacent teeth to shift towards the open space over time. Unfortunately, this shifting of teeth can cause your smile to get crooked and your bite alignment to move out of ideal position. Crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean, which means you’ll be more vulnerable to decay and gum disease. If misalignment occurs, you may also struggle with TMJ problems. A missing tooth can trigger a chain reaction of dental problems if it is not replaced in a timely manner.

Bone Loss
Bone loss is an “underlying” and serious consequence of tooth loss. Your jaw needs stimulation from a complete set of teeth to
maintain its form, height and density. Your tooth root is what stimulates your jaw as you chew your food. If a tooth is not replaced with a dental implant (the only tooth replacement solution that replaces a tooth and the tooth root), the bone can deteriorate over time.

Think jaw bone loss is nothing to worry about? Unfortunately, once the bone loss is significant, your facial appearance can change. Less jaw bone structure can mean a sunken or hallowed appearance in the lower face. This can make you look much older than you really are.

At Red Oak Family Dentistry, we can help you avoid the obvious and hidden consequences of missing teeth. We offer a full range of restorative dentistry procedures, including complete dentures, bridges, partials and dental implants.
Posted on Behalf of Red Oak Family Dentistry

Red Oak Family Dentistry