Why You Should Definitely Replace A Missing Tooth

Losing a permanent tooth can be embarrassing, but it does not have to be permanently embarrassing. With restorative dentistry, we can offer you a wide range of treatments to diminish the impact a lost tooth will have on your life.

Keep reading to learn more!

What Happens When A Missing Tooth Is Not Replaced?

Several changes are set in motion after a tooth goes missing, whether it has fallen out or been extracted. It can be quite difficult to control those changes if the tooth is not replaced in a timely manner. The list below is an outline of events that can occur after losing a tooth:

1. You start to chew using only one side of your mouth to prevent discomfort in the area where the gums are exposed. You also start to avoid crunchy foods, like chips, because they cause gum pain.
2. You are unfamiliar with how to take care of the area where the tooth once was, which creates a weak point in your mouth where gum disease is more likely to develop.
3. Your teeth slowly shift out of alignment to fill up the empty space. Gaps start developing between your teeth, and they begin to rotate, creating an uneven smile.
4. Your front teeth, having drifted, cause your speech to change. You notice that your f-, v-, and th- sounds are not as clear as they used to be. If you lost a front tooth, this will happen earlier in the timeline.
5. Gum disease develops in the exposed area and quickly spreads to the rest of your mouth. The weakened gums start to recede and loosen their grip on your teeth.
6. Your teeth are misaligned, unevenly worn, and decay starts to become evident. More teeth begin to shift and loosen, and eventually, they need to be removed.
7. Your jaw is no longer receiving strong support and stimulation from your teeth, so it starts to shrink. Your facial structure begins to change, and your cheeks take on a sunken appearance.

All Is Not Lost!

While the timeline above seems frightening, it does not have to be your reality. Early intervention will halt the chain reaction and restore your oral health. At our dental office, we have solutions for you, whether you are missing one tooth or several. Rest assured, we can create a custom treatment plan that will fit your lifestyle and help you achieve optimal oral health.

You Should Be Proud to Smile

Everyone deserves to have a confident smile, but it is difficult to be proud of your smile when your appearance and health are declining. With restorative dentistry, including:

• dental implants,
• same-day bridges and crowns, 
• full and partial dentures, and
• laser gum therapy, 

we can minimize the negative consequences of tooth loss. To get started on your restorative dentistry journey, contact our office located in Coral Gables, FL, and we will be happy to schedule your consultation.