Missing Teeth: More Than an Aesthetic Threat

When a permanent tooth goes missing, you’ll be left with a visible gap in your smile. This may be an immediate threat to your appearance, but it is certainly not the only drawback of a missing tooth. In fact, missing teeth can cause a host of problems over time, including those within your oral health and overall health.

Shifting Teeth and Hygiene Challenges

Consider your teeth like a tight family. When one tooth goes missing, it impacts the other remaining teeth in significant ways. They may migrate towards the open space or even grow longer (superuption) to fill the void. This can create crooked teeth that sabotage your smile appearance as well as make it more difficult for you to keep them clean. You may find yourself battling decay and gum disease more than you did before the missing tooth.

Your Digestive Health

Your digestive system starts in your mouth, with your teeth’s ability to break down food before you swallow. For every tooth that is lost, you lose up to 10% of your chewing ability! Most importantly, without your complete set of teeth, you may shy away from certain foods. These include nutrient-rich foods that are high in protein and fiber. In fact, you may resort to softer, carb-heavy varieties that increase your risk for obesity and diabetes later on.

Facial Aesthetics

If you have more than one missing tooth, you may also experience facial collapse. This is caused when the jawbone loses density and vertical dimension because it is no longer stimulated by a tooth and tooth root. This can cause your face to look shorter and hallowed. Many refer to this as premature facial aging.

You can see there’s a lot at stake when you lose a tooth. Regardless of why you ended up with a missing tooth or teeth, the good news is that you don’t have to suffer these drawbacks. Dental implants are the gold standard choice to protect you from shifting teeth, poor nutritional health and facial collapse. Consider replacing your missing teeth with Marietta’s finest implants dentist today. Call Dr. Wayne Suway for a consultation.