We offer a number of different dental prosthetics, from dental bridges to lifelike and long lasting dental implants. We always suggest a person who loses one or more teeth see the dentist to receive a prosthetic. Tooth loss can hurt our smiles, leading to a number of potential complications.
Loss of Jawbone Density
When we lose even a single tooth the body responds by suspending the flow of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone. Without these doses of nutrients, the bone around the lost tooth can actually dissolve, leading to further tooth loss and eventually, an older appearance due to advanced facial collapse. However, using dental implants to replace a missing tooth can stimulate jawbone growth and protect your facial structure.
Misalignment
When a tooth is missing the gap in your smile can cause surrounding teeth to drift from their positions. The result can be misalignment. An uneven smile can place pressure on the jaw joints, leading to a greater risk of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). In addition, misalignment can also make thorough brushing and flossing more difficult, leading to the onset of tooth decay and gingivitis. Placing bridge, implant, or partial denture can help prevent an uneven smile from developing.
Impacts on Overall Health
Advanced tooth loss can impact how we eat, forcing us to subsist on a diet of mainly soft foods. Doing so can end up depriving our bodies of key nutrients, leading to negative affects in our overall health. If you have any questions about tooth loss, or if you would like to discuss your options for replacing a lost tooth, then contact our office today. We can choose the prosthetic that will best address your tooth loss.
To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at (847) 230-9703.