Replacing missing teeth can be expensive, so do you really have to do it? The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that not replacing teeth can be extremely detrimental to your oral health. There are many reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth after having a tooth fall out or be extracted.
Cosmetic
The most obvious reason for replacing missing teeth is that gaps in your teeth can cause issues to your confidence. Replacing them can help you regain your smile, as well as prevent other issues from happening with your teeth.
Chewing and Nutrition
The loss of a tooth makes it more difficult to chew. Many healthy foods can be hard to chew, which is why the loss of a tooth can impact your overall health. Eating certain foods can also help strengthen your teeth.
Remaining Teeth Shift
Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift around the gap. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean and it can be hard to remove all of the food particles. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Failing to replace teeth can cause your remaining teeth to become diseased and even fall out.
Bone Loss
Just like any other bone, a lack of stimulation will cause your jawbone to atrophy. The jawbone is stimulated when pressure from chewing is placed on the tooth. This pressure travels down the root of the teeth to the jawbone, preventing atrophy. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone begins to deteriorate. This can change your face shape and make it much more difficult to obtain tooth replacement options.
Replacing teeth can be a difficult procedure, but it is absolutely necessary. Failure to properly replace teeth can lead to a wide array of problems with your oral health. To learn more about tooth replacement options, contact us at Mills River Family Dental today!