When patients lose a tooth or even a set of teeth, a few negative effects can happen. One such consequence would be damaged self-esteem, stemming from a less-than-perfect smile. It’s also common to feel frustrated when there’s a lack of biting power, making eating hard food difficult. Tooth loss may be a fairly common condition, but not a lot of people know about its deeper underlying effects.
If you do lose a tooth, it’s best not to wait it out until you get used to it. As any trusted dentist would always stress, replacing a lost tooth as soon as possible is critical because of one thing: bone loss.
Bone tissue needs stimulation to maintain its form and density. The jawbone is an alveolar (sac-like) bone which gets all the stimulation it needs from the teeth themselves. Throughout the day, teeth come into contact with each other numerous times, sending vibrations that subsequently stimulate the jawbone. Losing teeth also means losing this stimulation, which could then lead to bone loss. In serious cases, bone grafting may be required to correct the condition.
There are more things to worry about not replacing a lost tooth, aside from dental bone loss. The loss of a single tooth sets forth a chain reaction. For instance, a missing molar can lead to a series of destructive events affecting the remaining teeth, such as teeth eruption and decay. Teeth eruption is the natural tendency of teeth to move away from their sockets and further into the mouth. Over-eruption is prevented by pressure from the opposing teeth. With the absence of opposing teeth, nothing can stop over-eruption from happening. This can then expose the over-erupted teeth’s roots, making them more prone to decay. Furthermore, over erupted teeth can result to misalignment of your teeth, leading to tiny crevices where food debris and bacteria can accumulate and wreak additional havoc.
Fortunately, tooth replacement solutions can help stop the situation from further deterioration. Of these solutions, dental implants are often the most recommended. They are specifically designed to replicate real teeth, in form and function. They can help avoid bone loss and any additional tooth loss, as well as provide an effective aesthetic solution.
Dental implants are not the only available teeth replacement solutions. Traditional methods, such as dentures and bridges, may also be the more appropriate choice for some patients. Locals who want to learn more about teeth replacement options should consult dentists in Greenville, SC facilities like Falls Park Dentistry, and do it as soon as possible to help preserve their oral health.
Sources:
What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Missing Tooth? YourDentalHealthResource.com
The Hidden Consequences Of Losing Teeth, DearDoctor.com
Why Replacing Missing Teeth Is Important, ImplantingSmiles.com
Why Replace A Lost Tooth? TucsonSmile.com