The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth

When we are children, losing a tooth is exciting! The anticipation of a wiggling tooth, the thought of a dollar under your pillow – what’s not to love? As we get older, and the less “naturally replaceable” teeth we have, the less exciting it gets. Whether you have lost teeth from an injury, a ruckus sport, an accident, or a disease – missing teeth can leave you feeling self-concious and vulnerable. Additionally, missing teeth can have serious effects on your health – both physically and mentally. At Susan Ellison Dentistry & Cosmetics, our team is committed to helping you feel your best – inside and out. No one should walk through life without putting their best foot – or smile – forward.

What Causes Missing Teeth

If you have missing teeth, it may not be a mystery to you how it happened. However, there are warning signs to look out for when it comes to preventing missing teeth (although, not every situation is preventable).

• Tooth Decay – not practicing good oral hygiene, or not eating a balanced diet full of good nutrients can lead to cavities and tooth decay. The more severe the decay, the higher chance of losing the tooth.
• Injury or Trauma – when we are kids, many a tooth have been lost due to being rambunctious kids, but as we get older, we can still lose teeth the same way. Or, if in an accident, teeth can take the brunt of an impact.
• Disease – certain gum diseases can cause tooth loss, such as Periodontitis. It is a good idea to be aware of the signs of this disease (such as bleeding gums or increased sensitivity).

But, the real reason you came to this blog wasn’t to find out what caused your missing teeth, but WHY it is important to replace them . . . so let’s get to it.

Risks Related to Missing Teeth

The obvious effect of missing teeth is on your confidence. Most people find it hard to smile when they are missing one or more teeth – and the longer you hide your smile, the more it will weigh on you mentally. From a mental health standpoint, replacing your missing teeth is incredibly important. We don’t need to go into all of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry, but investing in your smile can and will directly impact your self-worth. It isn’t all about cosmetics, though. Missing teeth can cause some real problems to your physical health. Here are some other risks of not replacing missing teeth:

• Bone Loss and Jaw Deterioration.When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in the area begins to shrink due to lack of stimulation. Over time, this can lead to significant bone loss, altering your facial structure and causing your cheeks to sag or appear sunken. This aging effect can make someone look years older than they are.
• Shifting Teeth and Bite Issues. Missing teeth create gaps that nearby teeth will naturally drift into. This can result in misalignment of your teeth, making it harder to chew properly. Additionally, bite issues caused by shifting teeth can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, which cause discomfort and jaw pain.
• Difficulty Chewing and Digestive Problems. Replacing missing teeth isn’t just about aesthetics; it also affects function. Gaps in your teeth can make chewing certain foods more difficult, leading to an increased reliance on softer, less nutritious foods. Poor chewing can also impact digestion, as food isn’t properly broken down before reaching the stomach.
• Speech Impairments. Missing teeth can affect your ability to pronounce certain words or sounds, leading to speech issues. This can be especially noticeable if front teeth are missing, as these are crucial for enunciating words clearly.
• Increased Risk of Gum Disease and Decay. Open spaces from missing teeth can be a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum infections and decay in the remaining teeth. Without proper care, this can lead to further tooth loss and oral health problems.
• Added Stress on Remaining Teeth. When some teeth are missing, the remaining teeth take on extra work to compensate. This additional stress can lead to premature wear, fractures, or loss of those teeth as well.
• Reduced Quality of Life. From difficulties eating your favorite foods to avoiding social interactions due to embarrassment, missing teeth can have a broad impact on daily life. Replacing them improves not just your oral health but also your overall quality of life.

Options for Replacing Missing Teeth

Dr. Ellison is passionate about giving you your life back. There is no reason to feel shame about your smile – we have created a safe, non-judgmental space for every patient to feel comfortable and we have solutions! Just see the dozens of people we have helped gain their confidence back by improving their smiles! Here are the treatments and options available to help replace missing teeth and restore your full smile:

• Dental Implants
• Bridges
• Partial or Full Dentures
• Implant Support Dentures