Missing teeth can have significant effects on both oral health and overall well-being. When teeth are lost, the neighboring teeth may shift, causing bite misalignment and discomfort. Moreover, self-esteem and confidence can be impacted as smiling and social interactions become sources of embarrassment. Replacing missing teeth is crucial for preserving proper oral function, preventing complications, and preserving a confident, healthy smile. Tooth replacement options have evolved significantly, offering individuals effective solutions for restoring their smiles and maintaining oral health. The skilled dentists at M2 Dental are dedicated to providing effective solutions for individuals dealing with missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth is crucial to prevent these complications and maintain oral health. Dental options like implants, dentures, and bridges offer effective solutions. Today’s blog discusses these options and the potential dental emergencies and complications of neglecting to replace missing teeth.
Tooth Replacement Options
- Dental implants:Dental implants are an outstanding way to replace missing teeth. They involve surgically placing a titanium implant into the jawbone, serving as a stable foundation for a replacement tooth. You may need bone grafting surgery before starting implant treatment to become a qualified candidate.
- Dentures:Dentures are removable devices that replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch. They come in two types, including complete dentures for replacing all teeth and partial dentures for a few missing teeth.
- Bridges:Dental bridges are fixed restorations that replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of porcelain crowns held in place by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Typically, tooth bridges restore both appearance and functionality, making them a popular choice for patients with gaps in their smiles.
Complications of Not Replacing Missing Teeth
- Empty spaces from missing teeth can lead to neighboring teeth shifting over time, affecting bite alignment and overall oral health. This misalignment may force you to receive Invisalign treatment or other expensive orthodontic approaches.
- The absence of tooth roots due to missing teeth can cause gradual bone loss in the jaw. It can result in changes in facial structure, making a person appear older and affecting the fit of dentures or potential future implant placement.
- Gaps between teeth can become food traps, increasing the danger of plaque buildup and periodontal disease, as well as tooth decay. It can further lead to gum inflammation, halitosis (bad breath), and potential tooth loss.
- Missing teeth can disturb your ability to chew properly, affecting digestion and overall nutrition. Inadequate chewing can also place additional stress on remaining teeth, leading to wear and tear. Fortunately, a worn tooth can be restored by a cosmetic veneer or crown perfectly.
- Tooth loss can result in sunken cheeks and cosmetic improvements due to bone resorption. It can impact the overall appearance and contribute to premature aging.
- Misaligned teeth from missing ones can lead to TMJ issues, causing pain, headaches, and discomfort in the jaw joint area. It’s highly recommended to wear custom mouthguards after replacing teeth if you have experienced TMJ problems before.
Investing in your oral health today can prevent potential complications in the future.
