Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
Are you wondering if you should replace your missing tooth? Whether you have recently lost a tooth or have been missing a tooth for quite some time, we know that it can be a difficult decision whether to replace your tooth or leave the empty space. Many patients who have lost a front tooth are eager to schedule an appointment to replace their tooth, and we wish that every tooth was treated with the same urgency.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
There can be a number of reasons you might be missing a tooth, such as injury, decay, medical illness, and family history. No matter the reason, we know that it can affect your self-esteem and lead to changes in the way you smile and talk to others. While appearance and having a beautiful smile are important, there are many other reasons it is important to replace missing teeth. We want to explain two of the most important ones:
Overall Function of Your Teeth
The most important reason to replace a missing tooth is to ensure the mouth and teeth continue to function as a unit. Each tooth serves a specific purpose, and when one or more are missing, the functioning of the other teeth changes. This is similar to what you might see in the rest of your body. If you hurt your knee or your leg, you have to adjust the way you do everyday activities such as walking, running, and driving. It might be manageable on a short-term basis, but over time it can become strenuous and lead to additional problems in your body. The same is true for your teeth. A missing tooth is manageable in the short term, but over an extended period of time it can change the way you eat, chew, and bite. This can also lead to extreme wear on your remaining teeth and the deterioration of your jawbone.
Teeth Shifting Out of Place
When a tooth is missing from the mouth, the surrounding teeth will begin to shift to fill the empty space. Numerous spaces in the teeth lead to decay because trapped food particles create cavity-causing bacteria. Shifting teeth can also cause problems with crowding and crooked teeth. These issues can cause problems with your bite as well as the need for additional dental treatments.
To avoid these issues we suggest replacing your missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. To learn more about the tooth replacement options we recommend, be sure to call our office located in Houston, TX to schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!
