Losing teeth as an adult is never fun. The void in your mouth can change the way you chew your food. It can even alter the way you talk depending on where in the mouth the tooth is lost.. Replacing missing teeth is an option, thanks to modern dentistry.
Missing Teeth Can Let Other teeth Move
Your teeth can move or drift around a space from a missing tooth. They can tilt forward making them hard to keep clean, teeth above the gap can move down into the space or teeth behind the gap may move forward creating gaps between the teeth. These changes can make it harder to keep your teeth clean, possibly increasing your risk of tooth decay or gum disease.Replacing missing teeth can help keep the surrounding teeth in their natural place.
Tooth Loss Can Lead to Bone Loss In That Area
When you are missing a tooth or several teeth, your jaw bone height and sometimes also width will decrease due to the lack of a tooth. The roots of your teeth form an essential part of your jaw. Without the roots and forces from the tooth, the bone in this area can change. The longer the tooth is missing the more the bone may change which may affect future treatment options like implants.
Treatment Becomes More Difficult and Expensive Later
Depending on where it’s located in your mouth, a single missing tooth might not lead to complications later on. However, if you do develop side effects after a few years or decide you want to replace the tooth later on,treatments can be more complicated and extensive.. In particular, gum disease and bone loss can be difficult to treat in advanced stages. You may require further surgical treatments to help treat these problems.
There Are Several Effective Treatment Options to Replace Missing Teeth
Modern dentistry gives you several effective treatment options for replacing missing teeth.
- Bridges can replace a single tooth by anchoring to the two teeth on either side and holding an artificial tooth in place.
- Full or partial dentures are removable options that can replace one or several teeth at once.
- Dental implants can be the most long term solution. They work as a natural-looking, long-term solution for replacing a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Implants are more invasive, though, and require careful planning.
Restore Your Confidence
Replacing missing teeth can help return your confidence by enhancing your smile especially if it was a front tooth that was missing. Your dentist will match the replacement tooth to the colour of your natural teeth next to the space. You’ll also be able to chew your food more like you did before.
Prevent Opposing Teeth from Over Erupting
Your teeth will naturally and gradually move around in your mouth. Teeth like to bite against the opposing tooth in the opposite arch. If that tooth is missing, the opposing tooth can over-erupt which can lead to bite problems. A replacement tooth can help keep your other pearly whites in place.
Prevent Bone Loss
Bone loss in your jaw is tough to treat, and many options require the care of a specialist. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant can help prevent bone loss as the implant will help maintain the bone levels as well as helping keep the rest of your chompers from shifting.
Reduce Risk of Gum Disease
Gum disease occurs when hard, sticky plaque builds up around your teeth and causes an infection. When caught early, your dentist can treat gum disease. If left to progress, this oral health problem can be challenging to manage and can require multiple treatments. You may be more at risk of gum disease if you have a tilted tooth that is hard to clean leading to localized bone loss around that adjacent tooth.
Wear and Tear of Other Teeth
Multiple missing teeth can increase the wear and tear on other teeth. That could lead to increased risk of wear or fracture of the teeth. Replacing a missing tooth early on can keep your mouth whole and make your bite as strong as ever.
Our Dental Team Can Help Replace Missing Teeth
Modern dentistry offers several choices that can last for many years to help keep your mouth healthy even after losing several teeth. The team at Beaches Dental Mona Vale are here to help you to maintain your beautiful smile and be able to enjoy your favourite foods. If you have missing teeth and want to replace them, talk to our doctors, and we can recommend a treatment option that`s best for you.
Contact us today or call (02) 9997 8822 to make an appointment.
