If you’ve lost a tooth, especially one that isn’t visible to other people when you talk, you may think you can just get used to it and live with it.
However, leaving a missing tooth may have physical and mental consequences that can easily be avoided with a tooth-replacement procedure.
Physical Challenges
There will be several physical consequences down the line if you fail to replace a missing tooth. One of the most prominent problems is the malocclusion that may be caused as the teeth near the missing space shift together to fill the gap.
Malocclusion may cause overbite or crossbite issues that tend to put extra strain on the jaw and cause difficulty with chewing. It can also increase one’s risk of tooth decay. Treatment of malocclusion may include surgery and braces, which may be more expensive than just replacing the tooth.
Failure to replace a missing tooth can cause bone loss along the jawline that makes the mouth appear to be sagging. The resulting difficulty with chewing may also cause malnutrition or digestive issues such as acid reflux.
Missing teeth may also have negative consequences that may transcend the physical. The societal perception of people with missing teeth is not flattering and can open up these individuals to stigma or self-doubt. If you can avoid this, why not do it?
Fortunately, tooth replacement nowadays is one of the easiest things in the dental profession. The most common option is to get a dental implant, which is almost completely indistinguishable from natural teeth. It will look and feel very much like the one you’ve lost and can last your whole lifetime in most cases.
Don’t allow a missing tooth to negatively affect your life. Replacing a missing tooth as soon as possible should not pose a challenge at all. The investment you make will be well worth it, considering all you stand to gain – or lose!
For more information about a missing tooth or multiple teeth or to find out what your tooth-replacement options are if you have experienced a lost tooth, call us today at 724-220-2347.
