Should You Replace A Missing Tooth Or Not?
Posted on: 4 January 2023
An interesting fact about losing a permanent tooth is that you can learn to live with the gap. However, you should know that a missing tooth affects your oral and overall health in countless ways. For example, the gap can cause a change in facial construction and affect your appearance. As such, you may want to avoid these consequences. In such cases, dentists advise you to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible after its loss. Here are some benefits your mouth and gums get from doing so.
Preventing Drastic Changes to the Facial Structure
Teeth are necessary for maintaining healthy jawbones because they provide continual stimulation to the bone. However, after tooth loss, the surrounding bone no longer receives the impulse it needs and gradually recedes. Note that gum recession follows tooth loss and weakens the surrounding teeth. Ultimately, the end consequence is a sagging face, wrinkled skin, and the signs of premature aging. On the other hand, maintaining a healthy jaw can avert tooth loss and gum disease and halt any structural changes to the face.
Restoring Easy Food Chewing
The food you eat depends on your teeth to break it down into bits you can swallow. That said, chewing is more difficult when you have gaps between teeth. Note that back teeth like molars and canines help break down the food so you can swallow and easily digest it. Also, when the rear molars are missing, the front ones must work harder and take on more of the chewing load that they cannot handle. Eventually, the front teeth may erode and wear down more quickly. Therefore, you should replace missing teeth to preserve dental health and function.
To Keep the Surrounding Ones In Place
A missing tooth leaves a gap in the mouth. Ultimately, the ones next to its place will migrate inward to close the gap. Tooth and jaw strain, as well as issues with the temporomandibular joint, might result from this movement. On the other hand, dental therapy can help fix the spacing issue and prevent the remaining ones from shifting around in the mouth. Moreover, the risk of developing caries, periodontitis, and infections increases because the spaces between bad teeth are impossible to clean with a brush or floss. Given this, close the gaps to maintain a healthy and attractive smile.
These are just a few reasons to fill the gaps left behind when you lose a tooth. Speak to your dentist about options like dentures, dental implants, and bridges to close the gap and prevent further damage to your teeth. You will be pleased to know that this restores your smile and simplifies your speech.
For more information, contact a dentist near you.
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