Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth
October 26, 2016
If you have missing teeth, the most obvious reason to replace them is to improve the way your smile looks. While the aesthetic benefits are important, there are other medical concerns that should be addressed when you think about replacing your teeth. Whether they went missing because of decay, gum disease or an injury, not replacing your teeth can seriously affect your mouth and body.
Shifting Teeth
When a tooth is missing, the teeth around that open area will begin to shift over time. This may move your teeth out of alignment and turn a straight smile into a crooked smile. If the tooth is replaced early enough, no shifting will occur.
Tooth Decay/Gum Disease
Once your teeth are out of alignment, it’s difficult to reach certain areas to brush or floss regularly. This can lead to the build up of plaque and bacteria in those hard to reach places. Often, patients will develop periodontal disease when the teeth aren’t cleaned correctly, which can lead to even more missing teeth.
TMJ
Once a tooth is missing and shifting has occurred, the misaligned teeth cause the bite to change. Any changes in your bite may strain and damage the temporomandibular joint, and lead to problems with TMJ. The longer the improper meeting between the upper and lower jaws, the more like you are to have problems with TMJ.
Face Shape Alteration
Once the tooth is missing and nothing is placed in the bone to replace it, the bone will start to deteriorate over time. The root of a tooth is used to stimulate the bone, and without that, the bone can shift and move. Over time, this can completely change the way your face looks.
Simple Solutions
Here at Waterside Dental in Venice, we offer several treatment options for those with missing teeth, including dental implants to ensure that you don’t suffer from any of these consequences. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your best course of action with one of our doctors.