Impact of Missing Teeth

When you lose a natural tooth, is it necessary to replace it? Some people think that leaving the space open from missing teeth isn’t that big of a deal, especially considering the cost of tooth-replacement options. But, while leaving it open can save you money upfront, it may cost you more in the long run in terms of your dental and oral health — and the dental interventions required to fix any problems that arise as a result of tooth loss.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are replacements for the roots of your teeth. The implant is made of titanium, which is inserted into your jawbone where it fuses with the bone and provides a solid foundation for artificial teeth. An abutment connects the implant to the replacement tooth or teeth. Dental implants are an ideal option for people in good general oral health who have lost one or more teeth due to an injury, periodontal disease, or some other reason. What Causes Tooth Loss? | Dental Implants – How to Replace a Missing Teeth With an Implant.

Causes of Tooth Loss

There are many reasons why adults lose their teeth. The most common cause is periodontal disease, which affects three out of four adults at some point in their lives. Other causes include tooth decay, which can be prevented by good oral hygiene practices; injuries to the mouth from an accident or sports injury; and trauma to the mouth from teeth grinding (bruxism). Genetics may also play a role in tooth loss; if your parents or grandparents lost their teeth early, you may be more likely to do so as well.

How Does Tooth Loss Affect Your Overall Health?

Leaving gaps in your smile not only affects your appearance but can also lead to serious health problems down the road. Here are some ways that missing teeth can impact your health:

Changes in eating habits: When you lose teeth, you may find that certain foods are harder to chew or that your bite feels different. This can lead to changes in your diet as you avoid foods that are difficult to chew. Over time, these changes can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Oral health problems: When you have gaps in your smile, it’s easier for food particles and bacteria to get trapped in those spaces. This increases your risk for cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Bone loss: The roots of your teeth stimulate your jawbone when you bite and chew food. When you lose teeth, there is no longer that stimulation, which can lead to bone loss in the jaw. This can make your face appear sunken in and change the shape of your smile. Additionally, bone loss can make it more difficult to wear dentures or get dental implants later on down the road.

So, what happens if you don’t replace a tooth? It may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time it can have a significant impact on both your appearance and your oral health — not to mention your wallet! Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth because they look and function just like natural teeth.

Don’t let missing teeth menacingly impact your oral health! Be sure to replace them as soon as possible through dental implants or another form of treatment recommended by your dentist. Taking care of your oral health will save you money and stress in the long run! If you’ve lost one or more teeth, contact your dentist today to see if dental implants are right for you!

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Impact of Missing Teeth

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