Besides the natural loss of “baby” teeth, there are a variety of reasons you can lose a tooth. Trauma or injury to your mouth can cause a tooth to come out or to require removal. Health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay and some genetic conditions can also result in tooth loss. Additionally, chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer can also cause tooth damage and loss.
However, regardless of the cause, replacing lost teeth in a timely manner is crucial for a variety of reasons. Here are a few of them.
Oral Health
Soon after a tooth is lost or removed, deterioration can begin to occur in the surrounding tissues. When a tooth is lost due to periodontal disease, gum and bone loss start within weeks. This can lead to pain, infection and further damage to your remaining teeth. A missing tooth can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift, creating gaps and uneven spacing. Putting off the replacement of a missing tooth now can cause expensive and painful consequences in the future.
General Health
Missing teeth and other dental issues can affect your overall health and wellness. When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to periodontal disease, which increases your risk for several health issues. A lost tooth can also make it difficult to chew your food. This could lead you to skip out on certain foods that are part of a healthy and balanced diet.
Cosmetic Issues and Self-Confidence
The spacing issues caused by a missing tooth can affect the way your smile looks, and it may take orthodontic work to repair if the tooth is not replaced soon enough. Missing teeth and subsequent oral health issues can make you feel self-conscious and may even hold you back in your personal and professional life. Replacing lost teeth helps you smile proudly and quite literally put your best face forward.
Failing to replace a missing tooth can also cause alignment issues. Off-bite problems can cause complications with speech and chewing food and can promote further tooth decay. If you’ve lost a tooth or suspect you have one that may need to be extracted, don’t wait to consult with your dentist to prevent more serious issues from developing.
What Happens When a Missing Tooth Is Replaced?
There are several options for replacing lost teeth, and here at Klement Family Dental, we will help you understand the ones available to you based on your individual situation, such as an implant, a bridge or dentures depending on how many teeth you are missing.
If you need advice on replacing lost teeth or simply want to schedule a routine check-up, contact us today. We offer a variety of services, including general, cosmetic, sedation, preventative and emergency dentistry.
