When people lose a tooth, they often don’t think much about it beyond the cosmetic implications. After all, most people have 32 teeth, so losing one isn’t impact your ability to eat or speak, right? Wrong.
It’s true that you can get by without replacing a lost tooth, but it’s not recommended. That’s because losing a tooth can cause a whole host of other cosmetic and health-related problems. The good news is that dentists have various options for replacing lost teeth, so you can restore both the function and the appearance of your smile. There are many dental options available to tooth loss patients, which will be discussed in this article as well.
The effects of losing a tooth
If you want to ensure that your smile stays looking its best and that your mouth stays healthy, you need to replace any teeth you lose. Here’s a closer look at why.
Your teeth will shift out of place
Losing a tooth might not seem like a big deal, but it can significantly impact your oral health. When you lose a tooth, the teeth surrounding the empty space will shift out of place. This can cause your bite to become misaligned, leading to difficulties chewing and speaking. In addition, shifting teeth can cause gaps between your teeth, making them more challenging to clean and increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease.
It will be more difficult to eat
Whenever you lose a tooth, it will have an effect on how you eat. For starters, you’ll have to be more careful about what you eat. Chewy foods will be out of the question, and crunchy foods will have to be approached with caution. You’ll also have to be mindful of how you bite down, as putting too much pressure on a gap can cause pain.
You may experience bone loss
When you lose a tooth, the bone previously supporting that tooth begins to deteriorate. This process is known as bone resorption, which can cause a significant loss of bone mass over time. . This is because the roots of your teeth help to stimulate the jawbone. Without that stimulation, the bone can begin to waste away.
Your smile will be affected
The most awful effect of tooth loss is the way it can change your smile. When you lose teeth, your smile will become less symmetrical. You may also find that you cannot show as much of your teeth when you smile, which can make you look older. In addition, gaps between your teeth can collect food and bacteria, leading to bad breath.
Treatments
Indeed, losing a tooth can be devastating. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with the effects of tooth loss. There are a variety of treatments available, and each one has its own set of benefits.
Dental implants
Dental implants are a common solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. The implant is a metal rod that is surgically inserted into the jawbone, and a replacement tooth (called a crown) is then attached to the implant. Dental implants offer several advantages, such as:
- They look and feel like natural teeth
- They are durable and long-lasting
- They don’t require special care
- They can help to preserve jawbone mass
Dentures
Dentures are artificial teeth that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. They are typically made of porcelain or plastic and are mounted on a metal framework that fits over the gums. Dentures are removable, which means they can be taken out for cleaning. They can also be customized to match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Whether you’re missing one tooth or all of them, dentures provide an effective way to restore your smile.
Dental bridges
A dental bridge is a type of false tooth that is made up of two crowns that go over the teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges can be made from gold, porcelain, alloys, or a mix of these materials. They are usually attached to your natural teeth with dental cement. Dental bridges are an effective way to replace missing teeth. They can restore your smile and help you to chew and speak correctly. Bridges can also prevent your remaining teeth from moving out of position.
The bottom line
Losing a tooth is more than just a cosmetic issue. It can have a significant impact on your oral health. But you don’t have to live with the effects of tooth loss. There are a variety of treatments available, and with today’s advances in dentistry, it’s easier than ever to find one that’s right for you.
