It’s never ideal to lose a permanent tooth, but it does happen. As your dentist, we will do everything we can to save a tooth that is severely infected, decayed or damaged. Unfortunately, not all teeth can be saved. Regardless of why you had to part with a natural tooth (or teeth), restorative dentistry should be your next step. Restorative dentistry includes a range of teeth replacement options including bridges, partials, dentures and dental implants. With the advanced techniques and materials of modern restorative dentistry, you can be confident your prosthetic tooth will seamlessly blend in with your natural smile.
When a tooth goes missing, there’s more to lose than your self-confidence. Beyond an unsightly gap in your smile, an absent tooth can cause a host of unwanted consequences over time. If tooth replacement is not initiated soon after tooth loss, the following events can occur:
#1 Chewing and Speech Difficulties. All of our teeth serve a specific purpose in helping us grind and chew food as well as pronounce certain words and syllables. If you are missing a tooth (or several teeth), you may experience new challenges in the way your teeth function as you eat and speak.
#2 Shifting Teeth. One of the most detrimental outcomes of a missing tooth occurs when the neighboring or adjacent teeth migrate towards the open space. This can create misalignment and a smile that is more difficult to keep clean. It may also disrupt your occlusion or bite, which can put strain on your jaw and lead to TMJ symptoms.
#3 Bone Loss. Dental implants are the only way to prevent the bone loss that occurs after a tooth goes missing. Since the jawbone needs adequate stimulation (through chewing) to retain its density and form, it can shrink or resorb into the body when teeth are missing. Unfortunately, this can cause a collapsed appearance in the lower face that can make you look much older than you really are.
A Restorative Dentist Who Offers Dental Implants
At SmileBuilders, Inc., we can help you regain the smile you once had after missing teeth. To avoid shifting teeth, bone loss and chewing difficulties, please schedule your restorative dentistry consult with us sooner rather than later. Our Canton office proudly offers top quality dental implants – the gold standard in teeth replacement!