Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?

Losing a tooth in the front of your mouth significantly affects your smile and your appearance.  So it is easy to understand why we are motivated to replace it!  However, what happens if you lose a tooth or teeth in the back of your mouth?  Why is it important to replace a missing tooth in an area of your mouth that does not directly affect your smile?

Unfortunately, many people ignore a missing tooth in the back of their mouth. This usually ends up harming their smile and their overall health.  Our teeth are designed to work together and each one performs a specific function.  When one or more teeth are lost, more work is required of the remaining teeth, shortening their life.

When a tooth is missing, the other teeth will typically shift toward the gap.  This can cause a destructive bite that in turn can cause headaches, severe jaw pain, broken teeth, and teeth that wear too fast.

A missing tooth or missing teeth can also lead to gum disease by creating a trap for food and bacteria.  Gum disease is an infection that affects the entire body and can increase the risk for heart disease, heart attack, and various other health problems.

Today, dental implants provide patients with a permanent solution to missing teeth that enable them to chew, laugh, talk and smile with confidence.  If you are missing a tooth or teeth, do not put your oral health and your overall health at risk by ignoring the problem.  Schedule an appointment with an oral surgeon today to discuss your options for tooth replacement.