Losing a tooth can be devastating in multiple ways. Many people think primarily of the cosmetic impact that a lost tooth can have on their smile, but it can actually lead to many health concerns and other issues. There are a multitude of consequences when teeth are lost, which is why it is incredibly important to take proper care of your teeth. If a tooth has been lost in the past, understanding the solutions for replacing lost teeth can go a long way toward helping you to optimize the health of your smile.
Teeth can become lost due to tooth decay or trauma to the mouth. If the tooth is lost due to trauma, call us immediately, as the most effective action will be taken quickly after the initial loss. The longer you late, the less likely the tooth will be able to be saved. However, if the tooth is lost because of decay, the proper steps need to be taken to rectify the situation, including preventing decay from impacting the rest of your teeth. Here at Leavitt Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide a broad array of services to protect your smile.
Consequences of Missing Teeth
When one or multiple teeth are missing, it is important to take the steps to replace them. Your jaw bone remains healthy when the teeth in your mouth place consistent pressure on them, stimulating them to produce new cells. When a tooth is lost, it will no longer stimulate the bone, which will lead to deterioration of the bone. This can lead to other effects, like sunken cheeks and an aged appearance. Lost teeth may cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can undo years of expensive orthodontic work. This makes the teeth more vulnerable to decay, as it will be difficult to effectively remove excess particles from the teeth.
Lost teeth can cause an irregularity in the bite. It can also make it difficult to chew, as well as result in significant speech issues. When teeth are lost, they can impact the mental health of the individual. Studies have shown that there is a link between missing teeth and feelings of depression or anxiety. Missing teeth will also impact the overall self-esteem levels of the individual. Missing teeth can also cause chronic headaches. It may also result in increasingly poor levels of nutrition as it becomes more difficult to eat solid, healthy foods like fruit or vegetables.
Solutions for Replacing Lost Teeth
There are multiple options for replacing lost teeth. If you act quickly after losing a tooth due to trauma, it may be able to be saved. However, in other situations, replacement options will be necessary to minimize the negative consequences of missing teeth. Understanding the different options can help you to make the best decisions for your smile. In many cases, dental implants are the most popular option for replacing missing teeth. This method implants a titanium replacement root into the jawbone. The replacement tooth is then attached to the top of this implant. These solutions are incredibly effective, as they simulate the pressure that a natural tooth would place on the jaw bone and prevent deterioration from occurring. However, this method does require adequate jaw bone to support the implant. If the jaw bone has been allowed to deteriorate, it is possible that dental implants may require bone grafting to supplement the missing bone.
Dentures and bridges are other options for replacing missing teeth. There are multiple ways to design appliances to restore teeth on implants. Implant-supported dentures and bridges keep the fixture in place more effectively than other methods. This can prevent chafing or uncomfortably fitting dentures. Both full dentures and partial dentures can help to replace multiple teeth.
Caring for your Teeth
Replacing your teeth may feel unnecessary, particularly if the lost teeth are located in the back of your mouth. However, it is incredibly important to take the steps necessary to replace teeth after they have been lost. Ultimately, prevention is the best method to take when it comes to your oral health. If you effectively care for your teeth, you can prevent them from becoming lost due to decay. It is vital to visit us at least every 6 months, so that we can catch potential problems in the early stages. They can also inform you if your regular oral hygiene processes are sufficient.
Contact Us Today
Whether you need to replace teeth or ensure that they remain in good health, our professional team can help you! At our office, we strive to provide all the services necessary to maximize the health of your mouth. To learn more about the options to replace missing teeth, or to have a comprehensive evaluation of the health of your mouth, contact our experts at Leavitt Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today!
