While your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, it is not always possible to retain your natural smile. Teeth can go missing from a variety of factors, from severe decay and advanced gum disease to an accidental injury and more. Regardless for the reason you lost a tooth (or teeth), you’ll need to find a replacement solution sooner rather than later. Even if your missing tooth is in the back of your mouth, you’ll still face several consequences towards your dental health and overall well-being.

The Drawbacks of a Missing Tooth

Poor Dental Health from Shifting Teeth – When a tooth falls out or is removed by a dentist, the adjacent teeth will naturally migrate towards the open space. This can create a host of problems, including misalignment, decay and gum disease from teeth that are out of place and more difficult to keep clean.

Aesthetic Threats to Your Smile – Without your complete smile, you may be tempted to hide your teeth when you laugh or speak. Missing teeth can compromise the way your smile looks, and consequently lower your self-confidence.

Limited Dental Function – You need your teeth to chew and speak. Therefore, some patients suffer from speech and eating challenges when they have missing teeth. Over time, this can greatly affect your nutritional health and long-term well-being.

Bone Loss and Facial Changes – One of the less obvious drawbacks is bone loss from missing teeth. When the underlying jawbone is not properly stimulated with a tooth root, it eventually loses structure and density. In result, patients may suffer from a sunken lower third of their face, or “premature facial aging.” Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can prevent this type of bone loss.

If you have recently lost a tooth, now is the time to consider restorative dentistry. The above consequences can begin shortly after a tooth goes missing. If you are planning on a dental implant, it is critical that you speak to your dentist promptly so that you can avoid the need for bone grafting prior to your implant surgery. At Manhattan Dental Design, we offer a full menu of beautiful options for replacing a missing tooth or teeth, including crowns, bridges, implants, partials and dentures. Call today to learn more!

Posted on behalf of Manhattan Dental Design