Why Replacing Lost Teeth Is Important

Tooth loss isn’t just a cosmetic issue that leaves a gap in your mouth.

Currently, over 120 million people in the United States are edentulous, have at least one missing tooth/teeth, and struggle with the loss of those teeth and the problems that come along with it.

So are you missing a tooth or several teeth? Have you put off seeing a dentist because you think it’s just a cosmetic problem and not something that could do more harm than good if not resolved?

Well, it’s time to rethink your stance and read about why replacing lost teeth is an important part of your overall health!

Missing Teeth Cause Shifting

Even one missing tooth can cause your teeth to shift. Even though they are permanent teeth, they will begin to spread out to fill in the gap left by the missing tooth.

This causes them to become misaligned, which throws off your bite and can cause problems like TMJ (movement problems and pain in the jaw and surrounding muscles).

You will also notice that with the shifting, it can be harder to brush and floss, increasing your chances of tooth decay.

Problems With Chewing And Talking

Remember the classic Christmas song “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth?”

When you have missing teeth, it can cause issues with your speech! For example, you might not be able to pronounce your words correctly, which could lead to anxiety in public situations where you need to speak.

Your chewing will also be affected! Harder foods to chew, like meat, beef jerky, caramel, and more, will become difficult to eat and could lead to muscle and joint pain (TMJ).

Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth, the root and everything disappears. This means your jaw and bone structure are not stimulated and supported.

This causes the jaw bone to shrink and deteriorate.

Bone loss is irreversible; as it starts to disappear, it changes shape. As a result, you’ll find that your facial shape looks different, and this change can even make you look older than you actually are.

How Missing Teeth Can Be Replaced

There are several options for replacing lost teeth, and these options can be discussed with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your health and needs!

Bridges are great for replacing a tooth that is surrounded by two strong, healthy teeth. A false tooth is anchored between the two teeth and gives you the appearance of a healthy natural tooth that no one would suspect is fake!

Dental implants are stand-alone, permanent replacement teeth that are attached to a screw, which mimics the root of a tooth and helps to re-strengthen the jaw and minimize bone loss (and jaw shape change)!

Dentures are a solution that replaces several missing teeth all the way to the entire mouth. There are different types of dentures, and they can be implanted for a permanent fix or removable, which are the traditional, most common types of dentures.

Want To Discuss Options For Replacing Missing Teeth? Visit Castle Valley Dental!
If you’re ready to discuss your options for replacing missing teeth, it’s time to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team here at Castle Valley!

We are located in the Castle Rock, Co area and are ready to help you with any general, cosmetic, surgical, or dental needs!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more!