Have you ever wondered why your dentist is so adamant about replacing a missing tooth, especially if it’s in a place that no one can see? It might seem like no big deal, especially if the gap isn’t visible when you smile. However, even unseen missing teeth can have consequences for your oral health.
If you want to learn more about how missing teeth affect your dental health, continue reading.
Preserve Jawbone Health
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate over time due to lack of stimulation. Even if the missing tooth isn’t visible, the underlying bone structure can weaken. This leads to potential issues with neighboring teeth—even additional tooth loss. Tooth replacement is the best way to keep jawbone density.
Fix Dental Alignment
Teeth are designed to work together in harmony, fitting together like puzzle pieces. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth may start to shift into the empty space, causing alignment issues. This can affect your bite, leading to problems like difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint disorders.
Prevent Gum Disease
Gaps left by missing teeth create pockets where food particles and bacteria can accumulate easily. This increases the risk of gum disease and tooth decay significantly. Even if the missing tooth isn’t visible, the health of your gums and surrounding teeth can be compromised if the space isn’t addressed.
Restore Functionality
Every tooth plays a role in biting, chewing, and speaking. Even if a missing tooth isn’t visible, its absence can affect your ability to eat your favorite foods or speak with confidence. Replacing the missing tooth can restore functionality and improve your quality of life.
Preserve Facial Structure
While an unseen missing tooth may not affect your smile directly, it can still change the overall aesthetics of your face. A shrinking jawbone can alter facial contours over time, leading to a sunken appearance in the affected area.
So, even if a missing tooth isn’t visible to others, it’s important to address the issue to keep up with your oral health. Tooth replacement, even for unseen missing teeth, can help preserve your mouth and face in many ways. If you have a missing tooth, consult with your dentist to explore options for replacement and ensure a healthy smile for years to come.
About the Author
If you need tooth replacement, you need someone experienced to do the job well. Dr. Michael McCleaster has the skills and the technology to create and place beautiful tooth replacements like dental implants. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ. Since then, he has been broadening his skills through additional education like dental implant training from Columbia University. Call (973) 598-0800 to schedule a dental implant consultation at McCleaster Family Dental or visit the website to book online.