Is it Necessary to Replace a Missing Tooth?

According to a study, "about 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and about 40 million Americans are missing all of their teeth." These numbers are expected to grow in the next two decades. If you are one among them, it is essential to replace your missing teeth as early as possible. Although tooth loss can be fixed with restorative options like dentures, bridges, and dental implants Albuquerque nm, a large number of Americans ignore it. More than a cosmetic problem, missing teeth can pose an oral health risk and affects your lifestyle in innumerable ways.

Let us look at the dental effects of not replacing your missing tooth.

Bone loss

When you have lost a tooth, you are actually missing more than just the visible part. Yes, you will no longer have a supportive root structure. This means the jawbone is without blood and essential nutrients it needs to thrive. Over time, the bone will begin to reabsorb and will result in more teeth being lost one by one.

This is one of the significant reasons why the dentist in Albuquerque nm suggests replacing a missing tooth with dental implants. Dental implants are the only teeth replacement option that replaces both the root and teeth. Teeth implants naturally fuse with the jawbone and preserve the bone.

Teeth shifting

Your teeth support each other. When one or more teeth are missing, the teeth on the other side can start to shift into the gap.

Gum disease

If your teeth shift, you cannot reach all the surfaces of your teeth when brushing and flossing. As a result, plaque starts to build-up and increase the risk of oral issues such as dental decay and gum disease, which leads to tooth loss.

Bite issues

Missing teeth can cause bite problems that impact the health of surrounding teeth, your gums, head, neck, and jaw joint. As missing teeth leads to teeth shifting, it can drastically affect how your teeth come together when you bite.

Aesthetics

Missing teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile. Moreover, it can be more challenging to chew your food, speak, and kiss your partner. Restoring your missing teeth can help restore your smile.

If you are not sure which of the teeth replacement options is best for you, consult your dentist in Albuquerque nm as he will be able to suggest you an effective tooth replacement option.

The author is a professional and highly trained dentist in Albuquerque nm. Along with the team of professionals, he provides a wide range of dental treatments, including general dentistry, advanced cosmetic dentistry such as invisalign, implants, crowns, bridges, composite bonding, teeth whitening Albuquerque nm, etc. Visit https://www.wgregoryrosedds.com for more details.