Have you or a loved one experienced tooth loss? The American College of Prosthodontists estimates that more than 120 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth. There are many reasons adults experience tooth loss, such as severe decay, trauma to the mouth, or gum disease. No matter the reason for your tooth loss, it is extremely important that you replace the missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. Read on to learn the five reasons we recommend a tooth replacement.
5 Reasons for a Tooth Replacement
When dealing with tooth loss, there are some patients who may prefer to let the empty tooth socket heal and take no further action, leaving an empty space in the mouth. We highly recommend that all patients who experience tooth loss replace their teeth as soon as possible. Here are five reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth:
Prevent Bone Loss
When a tooth is missing, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate. This can cause the face shape to change and leave patients with saggy face muscles.
Maintain Proper Bite
A proper bite is when the top and bottom arch of teeth fit together perfectly, with the upper front teeth protruding slightly over the lower front teeth. When even one tooth is missing, it can affect the bite. This can lead to problems with premature tooth wear.
Prevent Shifting Teeth
Teeth love to move into empty spaces. When a tooth is missing, it doesn’t take long for the surrounding teeth to move into the empty space. This may eventually lead to problems with overcrowding and crooked teeth.
Retain Function of the Teeth
Missing teeth can make it difficult to properly chew and grind the food you eat. Patients with tooth loss often comment that there are certain foods they have difficulty chewing. Patients may also develop a speech impediment.
Improve Appearance
Not only does replacing a missing tooth restore the function of that tooth, but it will also improve the appearance of the smile. The tooth replacement options we offer have natural-looking results.
To avoid the issues mentioned above, we suggest replacing your missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. To learn more about the tooth replacement options we recommend, be sure to call our office, which is located in Brunswick, GA, to schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!
