If you’ve recently lost a tooth, you might be wondering what your next options are. Should you replace the missing tooth or leave it alone? Are there any negative consequences of not replacing a lost tooth?
We’re here to answer the questions many patients have concerning their tooth loss. Take a look at some of the benefits of tooth replacement.
What Happens If I Don’t Replace a Missing Tooth?
Missing one or several teeth can significantly impact your day-to-day life, as well as your future oral health. If you choose not to get a replacement, you could suffer several consequences both now and throughout your lifetime:
- You might not be able to pronounce words or chew correctly: Your teeth have a crucial function — to help you eat and communicate. A missing tooth might impact your ability to pronounce words correctly or clearly and can also impede chewing.
- Your teeth can become misaligned: As your teeth shift toward each other to fill in the gap left behind by a missing tooth, they can become misaligned, which can strain the jawbone and lead to greater difficulty chewing.
- Your jawbone starts to deteriorate: Because the gum and bone are no longer stimulated, your jawbone will begin to shrink, and your gums will pull back around the missing tooth. This process causes your face to sag and any adjacent teeth to weaken.
Reasons to Replace a Missing Tooth
The benefits of tooth replacement are numerous and can help you regain enjoyment and confidence in your life:
- You’ll look younger: By maintaining the contours of your facial structure, replacing a lost tooth can prevent your cheeks from sagging.
- You’ll find more enjoyment in your favorite foods: A tooth replacement allows you to chew your food more comfortably and naturally.
- You’ll enhance your speech and smile: Clear communication and a natural smile can make you feel noticeably more confident in your interactions.
- You’ll improve your overall oral health: Replacing your missing tooth will keep your jawbone strong and help protect against tooth decay and gum disease in the surrounding area.
How Can I Replace a Missing Tooth?
The importance of replacing missing teeth should not be overlooked. Fortunately, you can choose from numerous options for replacing a lost tooth, including:
- Dentures: Dentures are a set of false teeth that can replace either a couple missing teeth or a full set of teeth. However, they are often uncomfortable to wear and can slip out while speaking or eating.
- Dental bridge: A dental device “bridges” the gap of a lost tooth between your two natural teeth. The adjacent teeth must be cut down to secure the bridge, causing irreparable damage.
- Dental implant: Considered by many doctors to be the best replacement option, natural-looking implants are surgically placed into your jawbone for teeth that last a lifetime.
Learn More About Dental Implants With Hiossen® Implants
If you’re looking for a long-lasting solution to a missing tooth that will look as natural as your usual smile, Hiossen offers high-quality, innovative options. Our dental implants are designed to provide the utmost comfort and durability while also meeting the strictest quality standards.
Contact us for more information on our implant solutions or find a local representative to get started today.
