Losing a tooth for any reason, whether you were in an accident or had advanced tooth decay, can be upsetting. To make things even worse, many people do not fully understand their replacement options and end up with further oral health damage as well. What are some of the reasons why replacing lost teeth is so important?
Your Teeth May Shift
Your teeth do not stay in the same spot for your entire life, and they can move in your mouth—which is part of the reason why braces work! When you have a missing tooth in your mouth, the surrounding teeth on the sides and the top or bottom can start to creep towards the empty space to fill the gap. This will lead to bite problems and misalignment over time, which would likely need to be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
Tooth misalignment can also lead to problems with your jaw. When your bite is not able to close comfortably or properly, it can lead to strain on your jaw and the eventual symptoms of TMJ disorders. When you have teeth that do not properly align, you may also find yourself teeth grinding throughout the day or overnight, which will require a mouthguard and additional dental procedures to fix. It is much easier to replace the tooth than to deal with the potential consequences in the future.
You Might Have Trouble Chewing
If you lose a tooth, the way that you chew can be affected. Your bite needs the correct number of teeth to properly distribute pressure and chew. Even a single missing tooth can alter the way that you chew and eat. When you lose a tooth on the bottom of your mouth, the tooth above it will also eventually start to drop without anything to push up on it. In cases like those, the loss of a single tooth can sometimes escalate into the loss of more teeth.
Your Smile Can Be Impacted
Particularly if you have missing teeth in the front of your mouth, your smile is naturally affected. Having a missing tooth can make many people feel self-conscious, hesitant to smile, and concerned about how others might perceive them. Whether or not it’s fair, our smiles are one of the first things that others notice about us. When you have a missing tooth, it can damage your self-confidence.
You Could Lose Bone Structure
Did you know that the teeth in your mouth help to support your jawbone? When you lose a tooth, your bone volume can start to decline without anything anchored in it. Just like your muscles, your bone needs to be used to maintain it. When you have a lower jaw density, it can be harder to get a dental implant in the future without additional surgery. By acting in a timely manner to get your implant installed, you can ensure the best possible results and avoid the need for a bone graft.
Your Face May Change
When you lose bone, it can lead to a change in the appearance of your face. Things can get even more dramatic when you lose multiple teeth, as that part of the jawbone is no longer being stimulated by chewing and tooth use. By getting your teeth replaced, you can ensure your face structure stays the same.
Restore Your Smile
Selkirk Crossing Dental Centre in Winnipeg is a great place to restore your smile and replace any lost teeth in your mouth. We are compassionate and skilled, and we can help patients of any age get a smile that they love. To learn more or schedule your consultation today, call us at 204-481-4484 or click here.