If you have a missing tooth, you may be tempted to ignore it. Most people think it’s not a big deal and you can live with it. However, a missing tooth can cause all sorts of problems for your oral health and may lead to other health problems down the road. Today, the orthodontic team at Scott Edwards DDS will explain why it is so important to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible.
What happens if I don’t replace my missing teeth?
If you have a missing tooth, it is essential to replace it as soon as possible. Aside from the obvious discomfort of having a gap in your smile, there are several reasons why replacing your missing tooth is crucial for your oral health:
Bone Loss and Tooth Shifting
When you lose a tooth, it can cause bone loss around that area. This will cause your other teeth to shift into the space created by the missing tooth, which can also lead to an uneven bite. Additionally, this shifting can put more pressure on surrounding teeth, leading to more significant problems.
Additional Cosmetic Issues
Not replacing a missing tooth can cause additional cosmetic issues, such as misalignment of the teeth or an overbite. This can not only be uncomfortable but also affect your smile. Without a tooth to support it, the jawbone can start to break down and deteriorate. This can lead to further problems like difficulty eating or speaking.
Increased Risk of Disease and Infection
When a tooth is missing, there is nothing to keep food particles and bacteria from entering the space in your mouth where it was located. This increases the risk of gum disease or cavities in the surrounding teeth.
What is the best way to replace a missing tooth?
If you’re concerned about what your missing teeth might mean for your oral health in the future, don’t worry—you have options. Dr. Scott Edwards and Dr. Julia Prince help patients prevent the issues that can result from missing teeth by providing them with a wide range of cosmetic treatments:
Dentures
Dentures are a standard option for replacing missing teeth. They are a removable prosthetic set of artificial teeth that you can wear to restore your normal bite and smile.
Implants
A more permanent solution is dental implants. Implants use titanium screws to anchor the replacement tooth, which is then securely attached to the screw. This provides a strong foundation for the new tooth and prevents it from shifting in your mouth.
Bridge
Another option is a dental bridge. A bridge uses artificial teeth to fill in the gap created by missing teeth, which is then secured with crowns on either side of the gap. This bridges the missing tooth and allows you to bite and chew normally.
Fill the gaps in your smile with Scott Edwards DDS.
At our practice, we always encourage patients to replace their missing teeth to prevent more severe issues in the long run. The bonus? We get to watch them smile with confidence again.
Dr. Edwards and Dr. Prince offer a wide range of treatments to help replace missing teeth and maintain oral health. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. We’ll help you take the first step toward restoring your smile!