Dealing with tooth loss can be discouraging, but waiting to get a tooth replacement can make matters worse. Leaving an empty space where a tooth once was can lead to a host of complications that can require more extensive treatment down the road.
Adults at every age and stage of life should seek dental care if unexpected tooth loss occurs. Even children who lose a baby tooth prematurely may need a tooth replacement to avoid these risks.
Each tooth acts as a placeholder to keep everything in the mouth where it should be. When just one tooth is missing, it can cause everything to spread and shift, leading to a smile that is crooked.
Missing teeth can cause malocclusion or bite pattern issues. If a patient can no longer bite or chew properly, this can lead to jaw problems, including pain, stiffness, inflammation, and popping.
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth have to endure more force and pressure than before. Over time, this can lead to chips, cracks, and breaks in otherwise healthy teeth. Getting a prompt tooth replacement can help eliminate the need for additional dental work.
Because missing teeth can affect a person's ability to bite and chew, various digestive problems can arise in a short period of time:
It can also increase the risk of choking, which can be life-threatening.
Teeth play an essential role in speech, and a missing tooth can impact the way people form sounds with their mouth. This is usually more of an issue with young children, but it can also create problems in adults and lead to improper speech habits and pronunciations.
There are many options for replacing a lost tooth. The decision usually comes down to a patient's personal preferences as well as current oral health.
For patients who want a minimally invasive option, dental bridges can be a good choice. The dentist prepares the adjacent teeth and places crowns that are connected to a prosthetic tooth, which fills the gap. While bridges are not the most natural-looking option, they are often used in the back of the mouth where the finished product is not very noticeable anyway.
Implants are a popular choice that offers realistic results and can be used on any tooth in the mouth. Dental implants require surgery and months for complete healing, but the results are designed to last a lifetime.
For patients facing significant tooth loss who do not have the bone or tooth structure to support other treatments, dentures may be the right solution. The removable appliances are custom-made to fit the patient's unique mouth.
Most dentists recommend a tooth replacement immediately after a tooth has been lost or extracted. Waiting for just a few weeks can lead to complications that could otherwise be avoided. A dentist can help patients choose the right treatment to replace a tooth and restore their smile.
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 dental services on Yelp: Tooth Replacement in Everett, MA.
Many people see tooth replacement as something they can postpone without serious issues. However, putting off tooth replacement can lead to more problems than leaving a gap in your smile. Missing teeth can cause various oral and health problems, creating financial, functional, and emotional stress that you can otherwise avoid with immediate treatment.When a tooth…
A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…
Dental implants are often used to replace individual teeth but can also offer multiple teeth replacement options. Such options include cantilever bridges, implant-supported bridges and implant-supported partials.Depending upon the condition of the person's gums and jawbone, a single implant can sometimes be placed to support two adjacent teeth. More commonly, multiple implants are used to…
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…
An emergency dentist provides urgent care for individuals experiencing sudden dental issues that require immediate attention. Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help patients determine when to seek professional help. While some dental problems may seem urgent, others can be addressed with routine care. Whether due to a sudden injury, severe pain, or…
If you have severe dental pain, an infection, or an injury, seeing an emergency dentist can give you immediate relief. However, following the recommended care instructions after professional treatment is important to ensure proper healing and avoid potential complications. Following these post-treatment guidelines can lead to a smoother recovery and better overall oral health.Following a…