Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth
It can be disheartening and upsetting to experience tooth loss. Oftentimes, when we think of tooth loss we imagine the cause being severe decay, and while that is a common reason for tooth loss, it is not the only cause. Some patients may lose a tooth or teeth due to gum disease, severe facial trauma, a medical condition, and even certain medications. Patients can be left feeling self-conscious even if the tooth is not easily visible. We encourage our patients to replace any missing teeth as soon as possible, not only for aesthetic purposes, but due to the negative impact it can have on your oral health.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Although teeth are individual units in the mouth, they all work together to function properly. When one tooth is missing, it can interrupt and change the roles of the surrounding teeth. Similar to an athletic game that has numerous players, when one becomes injured, the position needs to be replaced so the remaining players can stay healthy and do not become injured from overuse. The same is true for the teeth in the mouth, when a missing tooth is not replaced, it can cause the surrounding teeth to take on more impact when chewing. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and eventually cause the tooth to crack or become damaged in another way.
Potential Damage to Oral Health
Aside from damage to teeth, there are many other reasons that we recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible. Teeth love to shift and move. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will shift, leading to crooked teeth, overcrowding and gaps between teeth.
Missing teeth can also lead to jaw deterioration. Your jawbone needs your teeth in their proper placement to remain healthy. When a missing tooth does not provide the stimulation needed, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate. This will eventually cause the facial muscles to weaken, leading to an older appearance.
If you are in need of a tooth replacement and would like more information about which treatment plan we would recommend based on your needs, please contact our office located in New Braunfels, TX. We look forward to helping you with your dental needs soon.
