Is Replacing Missing Teeth Necessary?

If you have missing teeth, you are not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. have lost one or more of their teeth. If the tooth is not in the front row where it is immediately noticeable, it might be tempting to avoid or postpone a tooth replacement procedure. The fact is, though, that the teeth serve more than just aesthetic purposes — when one is lost and not replaced, it could trigger a chain of adverse reactions in the oral cavity. This article talks about the importance of replacing missing teeth.

The importance of replacing missing teeth

Every tooth is important. They are used to chew and bite foods and speak properly and make up a person’s smile. The teeth also play a vital role in the structure of the oral cavity. Leaving a lost tooth unreplaced can have serious repercussions. A tooth could be lost due to tooth infection, gum disease, or injury, but regardless of the cause, patients should visit the dentist for replacement options for the following reasons:

Shifting or loose teeth

The teeth are aligned in a row to keep each other in line and stable. If a tooth is missing, there is a risk that the other teeth may shift into the gap. Teeth movement is gradual and can cause a change in bite alignment, make brushing and flossing difficult, and lead to oral health issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.

Jawbone deterioration

When chewing or biting, the teeth provide stimulation to the jaw, which ensures that the body continues to replace dead cells and keep the jawbone alive. Tooth loss in any part of the mouth can cause the bone to deteriorate, which can make the facial muscles droop gradually. Jawbone resorption progresses gradually, so that the patient may eventually have issues replacing the tooth with an option like dental implants and a bone graft procedure may be necessary.

Self-confidence issues

Anyone who has missing teeth will know how hard it can be to chew or bite with a gap. Although one can get used to the condition, it can become irritating. Missing a tooth may not be a big deal as a kid, but it is for an adult. The missing teeth may impair speech, which may affect the person’s self-confidence. It may take some time to get used to a tooth replacement, but the feeling is temporary and better than dealing with a gap in the smile.

TMJ disorder

The temporomandibular joint is located on the side of the head and makes it possible to move and rotate the jaw. Losing a tooth and not replacing it can cause TMJ disorders, which can be quite uncomfortable. Missing teeth often mean that the muscles have to work harder than usual to chew foods.

In conclusion

There have been many advancements in dentistry nowadays so that patients can now get a replacement for missing teeth that not only functions efficiently but also looks natural. Those who have lost one or more teeth should book an appointment with a dentist to discuss options.Request an appointment here: https://www.mariettaroswelldentist.com or call Marietta Roswell Dental Care at (770) 993-2657 for an appointment in our Roswell office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.