A missing tooth can affect the aesthetics of your smile, but that is only one of the problems that it can cause. This article will explore a few of the consequences of not replacing missing teeth with appropriate dental prosthetics like dental implants, dentures, or bridges.
A missing tooth can be the result of various things, like severe tooth decay, trauma to a tooth, or periodontal disease. Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience because it drastically changes one's appearance, which is why some people immediately seek a replacement. However, others opt to keep a gap in their smiles. Consequences of not replacing a missing tooth include the following.
The jawbone serves the vital function of anchoring down teeth roots. Teeth also have an essential role: helping to keep the jaw stimulated by transferring bite forces into it. Like muscle tissues, bone tissues need regular stimulation to stay strong and healthy. It causes these tissues to continuously repair damaged cells. A loss of this stimulation leads to atrophy.
Bone tissues in the jawbone are reabsorbed when parts of the jaw stop getting stimulated, leading to changes in the jaw and facial structures. It can diminish the jawline and lead to the chin receding. Reabsorption also increases the risk of the person losing more of their teeth.
Most oral prosthetics for missing teeth like dentures and bridges do not give the jawbone the stimulation that it needs, so replacing teeth with either will not stop the breakdown of bone tissues in the jaw. Dental implants and their hybrids are the only teeth replacement options that prevent bone tissue loss due to missing teeth.
Teeth are constantly pushing on each other, so one falling out alters that balance. The remaining teeth usually shift toward the gap created by the missing tooth, to close it up. It is the body’s way of trying to make up for the fact that there is one less tooth in the mouth.
Unfortunately, that can cause teeth misalignment, and it can also lead to issues with the temporomandibular joints, among other problems. Any oral prosthetic that fills the space left by a missing tooth helps keep the remaining teeth in their correct alignment.
Failing to replace a missing tooth increases bacteria activity in the space left behind, increasing the risk of gum disease. Gum disease is the top cause of adults losing their teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. It is an infection of gum tissues that occurs when bacteria get below the gum line. Having an exposed socket in the mouth makes it easier for these microorganisms to reach that area.
Are you ready to restore your smile? Call or drop by our Long Beach clinic to learn more about the importance of replacing missing teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://www.arcdentistry.com or call Arc Advanced Dentistry & Cosmetics at (516) 301-9038 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Long Beach, NY.
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive way to enhance or repair the smile. Whether the issue is staining or a minor crack, bonding can be a quick and effective way to address it. Learning more about this common dental service can help you determine whether it is the best option for restoring your smile. Dental bonding…
A dental crown is a long-lasting dental restoration that helps restore the strength, appearance, and function of a severely damaged tooth. While these restorations are strong, proper dental crown care ensures their durability and prevents potential complications. The following guidelines can help you preserve your newly restored tooth and maintain your long-term oral health.A dental…
Spacers are often needed in orthodontics to help enhance the entire treatment process. A lot of people have a need for spacers to ensure that their orthodontic treatment goes to plan. This addition to braces or aligners may be recommended by a general dentist. This article outlines what spacers are, how they work, and when…
Searching for a dentist near me often begins with convenience, but the range of services offered should be a top priority. A comprehensive dental practice not only addresses routine care but also provides advanced treatments to support long-term oral health. From preventive visits to restorative and cosmetic procedures, having access to the right services under…
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive way to enhance or repair the smile. Whether the issue is staining or a minor crack, bonding can be a quick and effective way to address it. Learning more about this common dental service can help you determine whether it is the best option for restoring your smile. Dental bonding…
A dental crown is a long-lasting dental restoration that helps restore the strength, appearance, and function of a severely damaged tooth. While these restorations are strong, proper dental crown care ensures their durability and prevents potential complications. The following guidelines can help you preserve your newly restored tooth and maintain your long-term oral health.A dental…