If you are living with one or two missing teeth, you might be getting on just fine. You may question if it is really necessary to replace your missing teeth, or if you are fine to coast by for a little longer. What you may not realize is that missing teeth creates a complex and dialectic problem for the biome of your mouth, and it will eventually lead to longer term problems. Reach out to a dentist soon to discuss replacement options.
What is the Problem with Missing Teeth?
1. Missing Teeth and Mental Health- Missing teeth have a correlation with mental health. Our teeth are a reflection of our health, our organization, and our dedication to personal hygiene. Patients who are missing teeth often have lower self esteem, less self confidence, and feel les confident smiling. Somewhat predictably, if we choose to smile less on average we feel less happy. Patient with missing teeth have a higher chance of suffering depression.
2. Missing Teeth and Diet- Patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of dental infections and tooth loss. Diabetics have a difficult job managing their blood sugar via nutrition and insulin 24 hours a day. This is one example of a population who may have a difficult time choosing healthy foods over easy ones, if they are living with missing teeth. However, this is still true for all of us. Everyone has a responsibility to themselves to manage their dietary requirements as best as they can, and choose healthy foods when they desire. Patients with missing teeth are not always able to choose the food they want, or the food which is best for them, when the ease of eating with missing teeth is also considered.
3. Missing Teeth and Further Tooth Loss- Missing teeth are associated with missing teeth. It is the sad reality. Missing teeth create a situation called malocclusion, where the teeth in your jaw do not line up exactly. Throughout your chewing, swallowing, and speaking the ergonomics of your jaw become vulnerable. This leads to jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, damage to other teeth, and gum infections.
Missing teeth and the complications that arise can also be associated with bone loss, gum infection and disease, and greater risk for long term disease.
If you are living with missing teeth, it is important to consider replacement options.
Replacing Missing Teeth
* Crowns or Caps- Crowns can be attached to healthy tooth material to replace broken or removed teeth.
* Bridges- Bridges can be attached to other healthy teeth to replace missing teeth, both in aesthetic and function.
* Implants- Implants are replaced in the root of the gums, making them functionally the same as any other tooth. They are made of durable materials that are as strong as your original teeth, often stronger.
Where can you begin?
Start at the Dentist office. Make an appointment to consult on replacement options. Consider what caused the initial tooth loss, what your insurance covers, and what you desire aesthetically.