Why You Should Treat Your Tooth Loss Quickly
If you have lost one or more teeth, either because they were pulled out by a dentist, knocked out, broken, or lost from decay, you might have noticed changes to the appearance of your face and jawline. Of course, missing teeth leave gaps in your smile, but over time, missing teeth will also begin to change the shape of your face and jawline while causing other health problems.
Although the aesthetic effects of a missing tooth are easy to see, there are additional consequences of missing teeth that can begin to affect your overall health, sense of well-being, ability to eat, and more. This is why your Washington Heights cosmetic dentist will recommend replacing a missing tooth with a dental fixture such as an implant, bridge, or dentures. Many patients are surprised to learn that their long term health can even be improved by replacing their missing teeth.
What Are Some Common Problems Associated With Missing Teeth?
Missing teeth can lead to a number of common problems that affect both oral health and overall well-being. Here are some of them:
Bone Loss In The Jawbone
Missing one or more teeth will trigger bone loss in your jawbone. This is because the constant contact of your teeth stimulates bone growth and regeneration in your jaw. Without that contact, the jawbone begins to atrophy, changing your appearance.
Bone loss in the jaw makes it more difficult to place dental implants later if you decide that you want to replace the missing teeth because the bone will shrink and weaken, leaving insufficient space for the implant base to be attached inside your jawbone. When the bone is too thin or too weak, it won’t provide the solid foundation that a dental implant needs to be successful. Your Upper Manhattan dental implant dentist will order scans of your face and may recommend bone grafts to supplement and strengthen your jawbone before dental implant surgery can be recommended.
Chronic Pain
Tooth loss doesn’t affect just that area in the mouth; the remaining teeth are also affected and begin to shift into the space left by the missing tooth. This can result in bite collapse, leaving sensitive tooth roots vulnerable to decay and infection. The remaining healthy teeth in your mouth are also at a higher risk of chipping, breaking, or other damage. Unfortunately, missing teeth can cause chronic pain throughout the face, head, neck, and back, and can even contribute to migraine headaches.
Difficulty Chewing
Tooth loss can make it difficult to chew. Many patients even experience pain from chewing and swallowing, or sensitivity to very hot or very cold foods and liquids. In severe cases, difficulty chewing and chronic mouth pain can result in nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, and weight loss or gain. Unfortunately, some of the foods that contain the highest amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein can be the most difficult to eat or chew when a person is experiencing pain from a missing tooth, but avoiding them can result in significant health conditions. When your Bronx dental implant dentist replaces missing teeth with dental implants or another dental procedure, it will be much easier for you to eat and drink healthy foods without pain.
Difficulty Speaking
When people are missing multiple teeth, it’s not uncommon for them to develop difficulty speaking because the mouth will be unable to form words properly. This can be embarrassing, make a social life more difficult, and cause relationship difficulties.
Emotional Effects Of Tooth Loss
Not all of the long-term problems caused by missing teeth are physical; many people also experience psychological and emotional effects as well. Many people feel a loss of the person they used to be, loss of confidence, depression, anxiety, social challenges, and more. They may hesitate to socialize with others, go on dates, meet new people, or interview for jobs because they are self-conscious about their appearance and what others may think about them. Replacing your missing teeth can boost your emotional health and confidence as well as your physical health.
Are There Solutions For Tooth Loss?
The longer you wait to replace your missing teeth, the more profound effects you’ll experience, but don’t feel hopeless! Many of the problems that result from tooth loss can be reversed with care from your Washington Heights cosmetic dentist.
Dental implants are one of the best options for missing teeth. They are permanent replacements that are fitted directly into the jawbone to maintain its strength and structure, with a tooth shaped crown that is color matched to the rest of your teeth. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. Dental bridges and dentures are other tooth replacement options. Your dentist will examine your mouth, discuss your dental health, and help you determine the best solution for your tooth loss.
CPrevent Long Term Problems From Tooth Loss With Dental Care In Washington Heights
Boost your health, confidence, and appearance by replacing your missing teeth at Esthetix Dental Spa. Our dentists have extensive experience and training in all types of cosmetic dentistry, including dental implants, dental bridges, dentures, Invisalign, and much more. We will work with your needs and budget to develop a customized treatment plan to meet your goals. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to a beautiful, healthy smile!
Esthetix Dentist, NYC’s Dental Implant & Cosmetic Specialist
285 Fort Washington Ave,
New York, NY 10032
Phone: (212) 795-9675
Website: http://esthetixdentalspa.com/