The Dangers of Ignoring Tooth Replacement

While we never want it to happen, it is possible to lose a permanent tooth. Whether it was accidental trauma or severe decay, when a tooth goes missing from your smile, it is important to take action. The threats of a missing tooth go far beyond aesthetics. So even if your missing tooth is hidden in the back of your mouth, it needs to be replaced – and here’s why.

The Chain Reaction of a Missing Tooth

Every tooth serves a purpose towards your dental function. It makes sense, therefore, that when one goes missing, it can through off your entire smile as well as threaten your oral health. It doesn’t take long for the adjacent teeth to shift towards the open space. This can create misalignment in your bite and make it more difficult to clean your smile. As a result, you’ll become more vulnerable to dental health issues like decay and gum disease. But that’s not all.

When a tooth is lost, so is the tooth root. The roots of our teeth are secured into our jawbone. Each time we chew or bite, our roots stimulate that supportive bone and help it to retain its density and form. Without a tooth root, the jaw bone can shrink. Over time, you may even notice a hallowed appearance in your lower face. Replacing lost teeth with dental implants is the only way to prevent this bone loss and premature aging.

Learn Your Options in Tooth Replacement

At Green Dental of Alexandria, we recognize the devastating effects of not replacing a missing tooth in a timely manner. We also realize that not every patient is able to afford the same restorative dentistry treatments. At our office, we proudly offer a full menu of teeth replacement options, including dental implants, bridges, partials and dentures. Schedule your consult today, and let us rebuild your smile after missing teeth!