4 Reasons To Replace A Missing Tooth
Happy 2024! The start of a new year signifies new beginnings. Now is the perfect time to evaluate the state of your oral health. If it has been some time since your last visit to our office, we encourage you to schedule your next oral hygiene examination. There is also no time like the present to schedule any dental treatments you may have postponed. This is especially true if you need to replace missing teeth. 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 four reasons we recommend a tooth replacement.
4 Reasons for a Tooth Replacement
We know that dealing with oral health issues, especially tooth loss, can be an emotional experience. We want to do all we can to help our patients, and our number one recommendation is to replace the tooth as soon as possible. Tooth loss can quickly lead to other serious complications. Here are four reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth:
Maintain Proper Bite
When the top and bottom arch of teeth fit together perfectly, with the upper front teeth protruding slightly over the lower front teeth, your bite is considered to be properly aligned. However, when even one tooth is missing, it can affect your bite. This can lead to problems with premature wear of the teeth.
Prevent Bone Loss
When a tooth is missing, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate. This can cause your face shape to change and leave you with sagging facial features.
Prevent Shifting Teeth
Teeth love to move into any opening they can find. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will use the opportunity to take up more space. This may eventually lead to problems with overcrowding and crooked teeth.
Retain Function of Your Teeth
It is not uncommon for patients who experience tooth loss to have difficulty chewing food properly. Certain foods can make eating a challenge when you’re missing teeth. It is also not uncommon for missing teeth to cause a speech impediment.
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 New Braunfels, TX, to schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!
