Consequences of Tooth Loss

09/03/2020 by admin in Dental Implants, Restorative Dentistry

Tooth loss can occur for any number of reasons, whether your teeth were avulsed (knocked out) in an accident or extracted due to severe decay. Regardless of the cause, missing teeth can negatively affect your wellness in multiple ways, including:

• Physiological: With empty spaces in your dental arches, surrounding teeth can loosen and shift, resulting in changes to your bite. This can compromise proper jaw alignment and potentially warrant treatment for orthodontics or TMJ disorder.
• Aesthetic: Needless to say, missing teeth create gaps in your smile and may cause embarrassment or diminished self-confidence. Additionally, the absence of a tooth root to stimulate the jawbone often leads to bone recession, which can change the shape of your face by shortening the distance between your nose and mouth.
• Functional: Lost teeth typically make it difficult to chew, potentially restricting crunchy fruits, veggies, nuts, and other tough foods from your diet.
• Health: Many studies also show that absent teeth can result in a greater risk of adverse health outcomes, from developing tooth infections and gum disease to contracting serious illnesses, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Living with missing teeth can be understandably distressing, but timely care from a skilled dentist can help you avoid the repercussions of tooth loss. There are many ways to substitute lost teeth, including the creation of custom-made restorations to fill gaps within your smile. Dental implants are generally considered the most powerful tooth replacements available, as they consist of a titanium post that’s surgically implanted in the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root. Unlike other restorations, this stimulates the jawbone and allows patients to avoid further bone loss. We also offer dental bridges for patients who may not benefit from an implant, and our dentists will ultimately work with you to determine the most effective restoration for your unique needs.

At Scripps Center for Dental Care, our diverse team of dental specialists can work together to find the best tooth replacement solution to achieve your treatment goals. Please contact our La Jolla practice to book a consultation.

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