It can be distressing to lose a tooth. Whether due to an injury, deterioration, or gum disease, you now have a gap between your teeth where that tooth once sat. If you’ve lost a tooth, especially one that’s not visible to others when you speak or smile, you may be thinking that you can pass by not replacing it. Surely, it will feel weird and uncomfortable for a while, but you’ll get used to it – or will you?
It is necessary to replace that tooth and there are a number of important reasons why.
Aside from how it appears, you may think it’s not a big deal to have an empty space between your teeth. However, leaving an empty gap in your mouth can actually cause some pretty serious dental problems over time.
Not replacing a missing tooth can:
- Cause you to have an uneven bite
- Lead to additional tooth loss
- Result in adjacent teeth shifting positions
- Make chewing difficult
- Put extra pressure on surrounding teeth
- Affect how you speak
- Cause jaw bone loss around the missing tooth
What Can Be Done About a Missing Tooth?
There are a few options for replacing missing teeth, including crowns, dentures, bridges, and implants. Each treatment has its advantages and disadvantages. Dental Implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth because they feel and look like natural teeth and save your jaw bone from potential decay. They are also easy to keep clean and won’t fall out or shift – the best and permanent solution!
Losing a tooth is an unfortunate experience that leaves an unattractive gap between your teeth. While you can leave it as-is, you really should replace that tooth to keep from developing a number of more serious dental conditions. Call us today to set up your appointment
Sincerely yours,
