There are four important reasons to get your missing tooth replaced, and they range from health to aesthetics. Leaving this issue unresolved may end up costing you more with greater complications down the road for your overall oral health care. One obvious reason to replace a missing tooth is for aesthetic reasons since a missing tooth will leave a gap in your smile and result in misalignment of surrounding teeth. Missing teeth may alter how you speak or cause difficulties when chewing or biting your food. A missing tooth may also lead to bone loss or gum disease. Here are four important reasons to replace your missing tooth as soon as possible.
Prevents Teeth from Becoming Misaligned
The gaps in your teeth may cause the neighboring teeth to move out of their proper position to the vacant space available. This will result in misalignment of your teeth, and may affect your bite. Replacing your teeth will fill the gap and prevent existing teeth from moving out of place.
Prevents the Loss of your Jaw Bone
Missing teeth may result in changes to your jaw bone structure. The jaw bone no longer receives stimulation and begins the process of deterioration. This is a process called bone resorption due to the body adjusting to less use of your jaw bone. Sometimes it occurs quickly with a reduction in bone width by as much as 25 percent within the first year.
Prevents Misalignment of your Bite
Gaps in your teeth may lead to the shifting of your surrounding teeth which may cause your bite to misalign. Your teeth may not be able to function normally with a misaligned bite. Depending on how severe your bite misalignment is, you may have trouble chewing or biting your food, develop a speech impediment such as a lisp, frequently bite the inside cheek walls or have an altered facial appearance. A misaligned bite may lead to a serious issue of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) which causes jaw pain, frequent headaches and neck stiffness.
Maintains the Integrity of the Bone Structure
The bones will start to deteriorate when they are not stimulated, just like our muscles do when they lack use. Missing teeth result in the gap not receiving proper stimulation from chewing and biting which ends up wearing away your bones.
Teeth replacement treatment options are available including dental implants, dentures, dental crowns, and bridges. Dr. Melchers and his experienced staff are here to address all your oral health care issues including treatment options for missing teeth. Contact us today at info@oldmtpleasantdentistry.com to see how we can best meet your dental care needs.
