Impact of Failing to Replace a Missing Tooth

Missing Tooth Huntsville, AL

A missing tooth can affect the aesthetics of your smile, but that is only one of the problems that it can cause. This article will explore a few of the consequences of not replacing missing teeth with appropriate dental prosthetics like dental implants, dentures, or bridges.

Consequences of not replacing missing teeth

A missing tooth can be the result of various things, like severe tooth decay, trauma to a tooth, or periodontal disease. Losing a tooth can be a traumatic experience because it drastically changes one's appearance, which is why some people immediately seek a replacement. However, others opt to keep a gap in their smiles. Consequences of not replacing a missing tooth include the following.

1. Causes bone deterioration in the jaw

The jawbone serves the vital function of anchoring down teeth roots. Teeth also have an essential role: helping to keep the jaw stimulated by transferring bite forces into it. Like muscle tissues, bone tissues need regular stimulation to stay strong and healthy. It causes these tissues to continuously repair damaged cells. A loss of this stimulation leads to atrophy.

Bone tissues in the jawbone are reabsorbed when parts of the jaw stop getting stimulated, leading to changes in the jaw and facial structures. It can diminish the jawline and lead to the chin receding. Reabsorption also increases the risk of the person losing more of their teeth.

Most oral prosthetics for missing teeth like dentures and bridges do not give the jawbone the stimulation that it needs, so replacing teeth with either will not stop the breakdown of bone tissues in the jaw. Dental implants and their hybrids are the only teeth replacement options that prevent bone tissue loss due to missing teeth.

2. Causes poor teeth alignment

Teeth are constantly pushing on each other, so one falling out alters that balance. The remaining teeth usually shift toward the gap created by the missing tooth, to close it up. It is the body’s way of trying to make up for the fact that there is one less tooth in the mouth.

Unfortunately, that can cause teeth misalignment, and it can also lead to issues with the temporomandibular joints, among other problems. Any oral prosthetic that fills the space left by a missing tooth helps keep the remaining teeth in their correct alignment.

3. Increases the risk of infection

Failing to replace a missing tooth increases bacteria activity in the space left behind, increasing the risk of gum disease. Gum disease is the top cause of adults losing their teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. It is an infection of gum tissues that occurs when bacteria get below the gum line. Having an exposed socket in the mouth makes it easier for these microorganisms to reach that area.

We replace missing teeth

Are you ready to restore your smile? Call or drop by our Huntsville clinic to learn more about the importance of replacing missing teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://balmoraldentalcenter.com or call Balmoral Dental Center at (256) 429-3870 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Huntsville, AL.

 

Related Posts

Transform Your Smile With Top Cosmetic Dental Services

The right cosmetic dental services can correct any smile and oral function issues. A complete dentist assessment can determine which can resolve the current problems. Understanding the available treatments can prepare you well for them. Here are the top cosmetic dental services you should consider.The dentist can recommend these restorations to revive the teeth’s appearance.…

Unlock Your Smile’s Potential With Cosmetic Dental Services

For those looking to correct imperfections or enhance their smile's appearance, cosmetic dental services can transform a smile. From teeth whitening to veneers, cosmetic treatments can address a variety of concerns. Discover how these options can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted.Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental services.…

Dental Bonding: A Quick And Effective Way To Repair Your Smile

Dental bonding is a simple and effective way to make immediate improvements to the smile by covering stains or fixing small chips, cracks, and gaps in the teeth, providing immediate improvement. The process is painless and quick and does not require major changes to the natural teeth. Those looking for an easy and affordable way…

Common Cosmetic Dental Services And Their Benefits

Cosmetic dental services provide patients with multiple means of changing their smiles, from addressing small blemishes to completely reimagining their entire dentition. Cosmetic dentists are trained dental professionals who focus on aesthetics, but that does not mean they will damage the teeth in order to achieve a patient’s goals. In this way, they provide functional…