The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

The loss of a permanent tooth can be upsetting in numerous ways. Initially, the individual usually has concerns related to the impact the lost tooth will have on his or her smile. While the cosmetic aspect of tooth loss is important, a lost tooth can lead to the onset of a variety of other issues and health concerns.

Reasons for Missing Permanent Teeth

While implementing a daily oral health routine can go a long way in preventing cavities and the onset of gum disease resulting in tooth loss, there are times when the loss of a tooth cannot be prevented. For example, a permanent tooth may be missing because it never developed (i.e., hypodontia) or the individual may have experienced some type of mouth trauma that led to the loss of a tooth. Despite the cause, replacing the missing tooth is not an option, but a necessity.

Replacing Missing Teeth is Vital to an Individual’s Overall Health

From shifting teeth to jawbone deterioration, there are numerous reasons that missing teeth need to be replaced.

The importance of replacing missing teeth:

To keep the teeth in alignment – Even if only one tooth is missing, over time the teeth begin to move. This movement can make it possible for oral bacteria to attack the roots of the teeth, resulting in the onset of a painful infection that has the capability of damaging the remaining teeth.

To avoid the need for lifestyle modifications – Modifying the types of foods eaten or how an individual eats certain food may be necessary following tooth loss. For example, if a front tooth has been lost, just biting into an apple can be a challenge. In addition, the rest of the digestive system counts on the ability of the teeth to chew food effectively, therefore, the absence of a tooth or several teeth can hinder the rest of the digestive process.

To prevent jawbone deterioration – The jawbone relies on the roots of the teeth to remain healthy. The pressure placed on the bone stimulates it to produce new cells. After a tooth is lost, pressure is no longer placed on that section of jawbone which means it is not being stimulated. This loss of stimulation leads to deterioration. It is this deterioration process that causes facial characteristics like sunken-in cheeks, which tend to make an individual appear older than he or she actually is.

Other issues linked to missing teeth include:

• Speech issues.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Problems with self-esteem.
• Temporomandibular jaw syndrome (TMJ).
• Chronic headaches.
• Poor nutrition.

If you are missing a tooth or several teeth, we can help. With dental implants, people who have lost teeth can regain the freedom they once had to eat what they want, speak well and eliminate concerns related to the shifting of a removable dental prosthesis.

To learn more, contact your closest Heritage Oral Surgery and Implant Center to make an appointment with an experienced dental implant specialist. To request an appointment using our online form, please click here.

Office Phone Numbers:

Valencia

661-253-3500

27450 Tourney Road, Suite 160, Valencia, California

West Valley

818-703-8200

22142 Sherman Way, Ste 201, Canoga Park, California

Palmdale

661-538-1400

843 Auto Center Drive, Ste B, Palmdale, California