Have you lost one or more teeth? Are you wondering how losing a tooth will impact your smile? We always recommend a patient receive a replacement tooth, such as a dental implant, to avoid complications. Otherwise the risk of further tooth loss or even an aged appearance becomes more likely.
Loss of Jawbone Density
The body will take notice of your lost tooth right away. Once the missing root is registered, the body stops supplying the surrounding jawbone with doses of calcium and phosphorus. Without these essential nutrients, the jawbone will begin to dissolve. Soon, the patient can suffer from additional tooth loss and eventually, an older appearance due to facial collapse. We can often stop this with a dental implant, which is recognized by the body as a natural root, stimulating jawbone growth.
Misalignment
When you have a gap in your smile the surrounding teeth may drift from their positions, leading to misalignment. An uneven smile can make routine maintenance, such as brushing and flossing, more difficult, leading a greater risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, the strain on the jaw joints can lead to the onset of TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding). We can use a bridge, partial denture, or dental implant to replace lost teeth and prevent misalignment from forming.
Poor Nutritional Intake
When you lose several teeth you mainly be forced to subsist mainly on soft foods. As a result, your overall health can suffer due to poor nutritional intake. By replacing your missing teeth you can regain your ability to eat a greater variety of foods. If you have any questions about tooth loss or tooth replacement, then please contact our office today.
