One or more missing permanent teeth impact the smile’s appearance and can also change a patient’s oral health. Patients who do not receive immediate dental care can develop increased dental problems. Here you can learn how missing teeth impact oral health and how we treat patients with missing teeth in our Arlington Heights, IL office. Our team is here to help you restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Missing Teeth Problems in Arlington Heights
Some o the most common problems patients develop because of lost permanent teeth include:
Shifting and Crowded Teeth
Many patients may not realize that natural teeth can shift to try and fill a gap left by a missing tooth. Natural teeth can shift and overcrowd if a patient does not receive a restoration like a dental implant or dental bridge soon enough. Overcrowded teeth are also more difficult to treat because bacteria can accumulate in spaces that are hard to reach.
Please contact our office if you have just lost a permanent tooth due to an accident or decay. We can provide periodontal therapy or root canal treatment to prevent further loss and create a treatment plan for your restoration.
Bite Problems
One or more missing teeth can create an uneven bite. Gaps in the smile place pressure on different areas of the bite. Over time, uneven bite pressure can place stress on the teeth and jaw. Some patients can develop temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) that add stress to the jaw joints. As a result, patients can experience symptoms like teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism), chronic migraines, and orofacial pain. Over time, TMD can make eating hard, chewy, and crunchy foods painful.
Increased Dental and Health Issues
When patients lose permanent teeth, they are also at risk of developing other problems. Bacteria can easily accumulate in the missing tooth gap, leading to problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Remaining natural teeth can also shift to fill in the tooth gap, leading to overcrowding. Overcrowded teeth also make it difficult to clean between teeth. As a result, patients can experience a tooth or gum infection.
At AH Smiles, Dr. Brent Engelberg and his team offer dental implants and implant-secured restorations to prevent these problems. It is important to choose a restorative dentist that uses high-quality materials to ensure that an implant, dental bridge, or denture lasts for many years. Call (847) 230-9703 for a consultation today. You can also schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Brent Engelberg online.