Failing to replace a missing tooth can have long-term adverse effects on your dental and overall health. It can change the natural shape of your facial structures and affect your smile’s appearance. It can also make you more vulnerable to periodontal disease, which happens to be the top cause of adult tooth loss, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
Long Term Effects of not Replacing a Missing Tooth
A missing tooth affecting one’s appearance is the least of the adverse effects of not replacing it. This article looks at a few of the worst problems caused by missing teeth and how they can impact dental and overall health.
1. Permanent bone loss in the jawbone
Failure to replace a missing tooth can result in irreversible bone loss in the jaw, as the bone lacks the necessary stimulation for sustained health. Similar to muscle tissues, bone tissues undergo atrophy and subsequent resorption without proper stimulation. This loss of bone tissue not only hampers jaw movement but also contributes to discomfort and pain for some individuals.
Additionally, the degradation of bone tissue alters facial structures, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth. Dental professionals often advocate for dental implants as the preferred solution for tooth replacement due to their ability to provide the necessary jawbone stimulation for maintaining optimal health. Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants offer this crucial benefit.
2. Poor teeth alignment
A missing tooth can disrupt proper teeth alignment by allowing adjacent teeth to shift towards the gap, attempting to close it. Consequently, this alteration in tooth positioning affects the individual’s bite, leading to potential complications.
Misaligned teeth are more vulnerable to decay, and they can cause other problems, like mouth pain, difficulty chewing, and headaches. Misaligned teeth can also lead to an improper bite, increasing the risk of the teeth getting damaged when chewing on food. Teeth-straightening treatments are usually needed to correct the bites of patients with poor alignment due to a missing tooth.
3. Increased dental costs
The absence of teeth elevates the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the primary reasons individuals seek dental care. This heightened susceptibility translates to increased dental expenses in the long run as patients require treatment for these oral health issues.
Furthermore, gum disease, a leading cause of adult tooth loss, poses significant health risks such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, as highlighted by Healthline. Failing to address missing teeth may exacerbate gum disease and lead to further tooth loss, amplifying both dental and overall health concerns.
Get your missing tooth replaced
Our dentist regularly replaces missing teeth with oral prosthetics like dentures, bridges, and implants. Taking care of your oral health at our Tonawanda clinic can prevent tooth loss in the future. Give us a call or drop by our clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://bisondentistry.com or call Bison Dentistry at (716) 696-1951 for an appointment in our Tonawanda office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Tonawanda, NY.
