If you have lost a tooth in the back of your mouth and the space does not show when you smile, you may not think it is very important to replace the lost tooth. After all, no is going to notice right? Why go through the expense and the hassle of tooth replacement? What is the harm in just leaving it alone? The answer is that failure to replace missing teeth can negatively affect your long-term dental health and the health of your remaining teeth.
First of all, when a tooth lost, it obviously leaves a space in the mouth. This can cause the other teeth to shift to fill the space, therefore getting your teeth out of alignment. If you have spent the time and money to achieve straighter teeth with braces, failure to replace a tooth can leave you at risk for orthodontic relapse. Even if you have not had braces, shifting teeth can negatively affect both the form and function of your smile.
Secondly, the space in your mouth that is left from the missing tooth can create a trap for food, bacteria and other debris. This can leave you more at risk for developing periodontal disease: the number one cause of tooth loss in people over the age of thirty-five.
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, a missing tooth can lead to bone loss. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation causes loss of aveolar bone. In fact, there is an approximate 25% decrease in the width of aveolar bone in the first year after a tooth is lost. This is why it is important to replace a missing tooth immediately and not to put it off. Once bone is lost, it can make dentures harder to wear and make it harder to place dental implants or other types of restorations.
Now that you know how important it is to replace missing teeth, even if they are in the back of your mouth, you must decide which tooth replacement option is right for you. Don’t risk your long-term dental health by putting off needed treatment. Pure Dental Health in Atlanta offers a variety of effective tooth replacement options including Dentca dentures, bridges, partial dentures and dental implants. If you are currently missing a tooth or multiple teeth, schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott today to see which tooth replacement option best suits your specific circumstances as well as your budget and your lifestyle.
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