Three Reasons Why You Need to Replace A Single Missing Tooth

“It’s just one tooth. I have 31 teeth that are intact and doing their job. Is it really necessary to replace that one tooth, especially if no one can see it?” As dental implant experts, we get this a lot. The answer, however, is a resounding YES!. Tooth replacement is always important and necessary, even if it just involves a single tooth. To understand why restorative dentistry is worth investing in, let’s take a look at the three major drawbacks of not replacing that one tooth.

Appearance

Let’s be honest, a full set of teeth is a desirable trait. When there is a gap in your smile, you may cover up your mouth when you laugh or lose confidence in yourself in social situations. The emotional stress of having a missing tooth is a notable consequence that should be heavily considered.

Comfort

Your teeth are designed to bear the brunt of hard or crunchy foods. However, when a tooth is gone, the gums feel those sharp foods instead, and the end result is not always favorable. In fact, eating can become downright painful. Some patients change the way they chew or eat to accommodate for this, which can bring a new set of drawbacks.

Oral Health

From the moment a tooth goes missing, the balance of your entire dental structure is disrupted. The gap allows for the surrounding teeth to tilt and migrate toward the open space. This can be harmful to your long-term oral health. Not only can your chewing function be compromised, but you may also be more vulnerable to decay and gum disease since crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean.

So how do you avoid all this if you have a missing tooth? Dental implants. A single dental implant can provide a lifetime replacement for your tooth, with the ability to help you regain optimal appearance, comfort and oral health. As an added bonus, a dental implant will help you avoid the bone loss that occurs from a missing tooth. To learn more about why it is important to replace a single missing tooth, call Dr. Wayne Suway in Marietta.