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 Linden clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.uniquefamilydentistry.com or call Unique Family Dentistry at (908) 772-8640 for an appointment in our Linden office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Linden, NJ.
If you experienced a wreck and lost your teeth, a dentist might be able to restore them with a number of tooth replacement options. Although it may appear convenient and cost-effective to avoid seeking tooth replacement after losing them in a car wreck, that decision has too many health risks. It is crucial to visit…
Interested in professional teeth whitening after braces? Having braces removed can be exciting for patients who are eager to show off their newly-straightened smiles. Most people want to ensure that their smile looks its absolute best, especially once braces have been removed. One way to help achieve that is through a professional teeth whitening appointment.Professional…
With dental offices reopening, many patients are eager to visit the dentist for a cleaning or examination. However, despite the need for dental offices to reopen, the COVID-19 pandemic is still a relevant problem. Because of this, there are necessary precautionary measures that dental offices are required to take before opening their doors. These measures…
Gum disease is a common oral health issue that dentists treat. You may focus more on cavity prevention, but gum issues can be just as critical to your wellness. Putting off treatment can cause more serious issues. You should first recognize the signs and symptoms of this condition and then seek your dentist’s help right…
If you experienced a wreck and lost your teeth, a dentist might be able to restore them with a number of tooth replacement options. Although it may appear convenient and cost-effective to avoid seeking tooth replacement after losing them in a car wreck, that decision has too many health risks. It is crucial to visit…
Interested in professional teeth whitening after braces? Having braces removed can be exciting for patients who are eager to show off their newly-straightened smiles. Most people want to ensure that their smile looks its absolute best, especially once braces have been removed. One way to help achieve that is through a professional teeth whitening appointment.Professional…