Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth
If you have a missing tooth, now is a good time to do something about it. There are different options available to replace it and fill in the gap in your mouth. Your dentist can discuss which replacement method makes the most sense. If you are wondering why tooth replacement is important, it is helpful to understand the consequences of leaving the empty space.
Common causes of tooth loss
The enamel layer of teeth is stronger than bone, but teeth can still be prone to damage. Under certain conditions, teeth can fall out. This happens due to hard forces such as biting into objects or suffering a hard blow to the face. Falls can also knock out teeth.
In other instances, tooth decay, infections, or gum disease can cause tooth loss. Poor brushing and flossing can lead to these conditions. The dentist may also have to extract teeth. This can happen when damage is so extensive that the tooth is not salvageable.
For a more attractive smile
A smile is one of the first things people will notice about someone else. If a person is missing a tooth, it can create a large gap in the mouth. This can be embarrassing and even make the person feel ashamed and want to avoid social settings. Replacing a missing tooth will eliminate this space and give the person a full smile once more.
To enjoy a healthier diet
Having a missing tooth makes it difficult to chew most foods. People with missing teeth are unable to eat things such as meat, bread, and even fruits and vegetables. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems. Replacing the tooth allows the person to eat well-balanced meals once again.
To avoid infections
When a person is missing a tooth, it leaves an open socket in the mouth. Bacteria can develop in these pockets. After a while, infections can grow. Untreated, the infection will spread throughout the mouth and even into other parts of the body. By replacing the tooth, there is less risk of the infection growing.
To prevent further tooth loss
Missing a single tooth is challenging enough, but losing more can be all the more distressing. When one tooth falls out, the adjacent teeth can drift and become loose. Eventually, these teeth can fall out. Over time, bone loss could even occur.
To prevent TMJ
On either side of the mouth are joints called the temporomandibular joints. These control the muscle movements of the jaw. A missing tooth can affect the muscle system that connects to these joints. Pain can ensue, causing continual discomfort and making it difficult to eat or speak. Replacing the tooth can relieve these symptoms.
Do something about your missing tooth today
If you are missing a tooth, there are many reasons why you should replace it. For both physical and emotional reasons, treatment is essential. Talk to your dentist about your situation. The dentist can explain the consequences of missing teeth. You can also find out which replacement method is right for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofvisalia.com or call Visalia Care Dental at (559) 975-1213 for an appointment in our Visalia office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Missing Tooth in Visalia, CA.
Related Posts
Partial dentures are one of the most cost-friendly and effective options for replacing missing teeth. They can either be removable or fixed dentures. This is a guide on what partial dentures are, their benefits, and how to care for them.Partial dentures, commonly known as partials, are artificial replacement teeth that replace a patient's missing teeth.…
Don't let missing teeth get in the way of enjoying life. Call us to hear options for replacing missing teeth.We know how hard it can be living with missing or less than perfect teeth. Losing teeth can mean that it's hard to enjoy day-to-day activities like savoring your favorite foods and living without oral pain.…
Anyone who is currently wearing dentures and looking for a more durable solution needs to consider dental implants. The same is true for anyone who is missing teeth and has yet to replace them. Implants are the most durable and natural-looking way to replace missing teeth, making them an excellent alternative to removable dentures. They…
Prosthetic dentistry has emerged, over the last several decades, as a champion for people who have lost their teeth. Tooth loss can be a traumatic event, especially when it occurs at a young age. There is a popular misconception that tooth loss is reserved for the elderly. However, a person may lose their teeth due…