A missing tooth may occur as the result of an injury, tooth decay or gum disease. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, as many as 178 million Americans have lost at least one permanent tooth. If not replaced, the gap left behind can have several detrimental consequences on oral health and functionality.
An incomplete smile often makes people self-conscious, but many elect to not seek treatment because it is not seen as an urgent issue. However, teeth support the structure of the face and just one missing tooth may lead to a cascade of dental and health issues.
Teeth that remain near a gap can move into new positions, which can lead to excessive wear on certain teeth. Teeth that are opposite the gap are also affected because there is no counteracting force. These opposing teeth migrate vertically and expose the root, which makes them more sensitive and susceptible to decay.
Missing teeth can negatively affect how the teeth come together during biting and chewing. An improper bite can lead to many other problems such as tooth sensitivity, headaches, muscle pain and even disorders of the jaw joint.
When lost teeth are not replaced, the jawbone begins to deteriorate and actually starts to shrink. These changes cause the cheeks to collapse inward and make the skin around the mouth sag. Loss of bone in the jaw can give patients a much older appearance.
A missing tooth can lead to gums receding around the teeth adjacent to the gap. This increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
One missing tooth can disrupt the balance of the entire mouth and destabilize remaining teeth. The situation increases the risk of tooth decay and the likelihood of further tooth loss.
Depending on the location of the missing tooth, patients may experience problems with eating. A lost tooth can make it harder to eat tough and chewy foods that often offer great nutritional value. Many softer foods are highly processed and less nutritious.
Missing teeth can negatively affect speech by making certain words difficult to pronounce. This can lead to slurring or even spitting while speaking.
Many people choose to forego treatment when they lose a tooth and attempt to live with the consequences. Left untreated, the gap can end up causing more costly problems. Fortunately there are many restorative options available:
Aside from the aesthetic problems associated with missing teeth, there are also serious dental health concerns. That is why is important to consult a dental professional about replacing any missing teeth.
Request an appointment here: https://gkdentaloffice.com or call GK Dental PC at (617) 826-6075 for an appointment in our Everett office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
If you want to improve your smile’s appearance, a smile makeover is a way to go. It is advisable to prepare adequately for this procedure because it increases the desired outcome. Since there are many makeover choices, it is better to take the dentist’s advice and work with the treatment plan that they recommend.The procedures…
Clear braces are a discreet orthodontic option for patients seeking reliable tooth movement without the visible appearance of traditional metal brackets. These ceramic brackets blend more naturally with the shade of the teeth while remaining securely attached throughout treatment. Our dentist can evaluate the smile and recommend an orthodontic option that supports both appearance and…
Orthodontics guides teeth from crowded or misaligned positions to a balanced smile through a series of planned stages. This specialty focuses on how the teeth, jaws, and bite work together over time. With the right plan, patients move from the first consultation to braces and eventually to beautiful, stable results. Understanding the orthodontic timeline helps…
Jaw correction can result from a smile makeover. Improper biting and chewing can cause pain and discomfort. These problems can also cause difficulties in speaking. If you want to know how a smile makeover can improve your jaw function, here are the three ways it can do so.This type of smile makeover can handle bite…