If you lose a permanent tooth, you may think that the only issue you need to worry about now is the appearance of the gap in your smile. But losing a tooth goes far beyond just creating an empty space in your gums. It can also have dangerous repercussions that can affect more than just your mouth. Here’s why if you’re missing a permanent tooth, it’s important to replace it as soon as possible.
Facial Changes from Missing Teeth
Jawbone Atrophy
If you’re missing one or more teeth, your jawbone is at risk of degradation. This occurs when the jawbone shrinks due to lack of use by the missing tooth. Atrophy can not only damage the jawbone, but it can also cause your remaining teeth to become loose, shift, or fall out. Worse yet, this weakening of the jawbone can also make it difficult to get permanent restorations like dental implants. In fact, you may need a bone graft procedure before you can even attempt dental implant surgery.
Sinus Problems
If you are missing a tooth on the upper jaw, you could experience trouble with your sinus cavity. Because your upper jaw abuts your sinuses, missing a tooth from this area can cause your sinuses to cave. This can make it harder to breathe, and if you’d like to get dental implants you may need a sinus lift prior to your implant surgery.
Bite Changes
With time, missing teeth can alter your bite. Your remaining teeth can slowly shift, making it difficult to chew or speak. They can also become difficult to brush or floss and changing their alignment could cause uneven wear or damage like chips or cracks if they collide.
Facial Collapse
With missing teeth, the shape of the lower half of your face may change. This is because your shrinking jawbones can shorten its appearance. A shrinking lower jawbone can even make the bone rotate forward.
Furthermore, the lips can change as well. Because the muscles have less support, they can develop more wrinkles than normal, aging you prematurely. The upper lip could also sag, making your nose look bigger and your face look longer.
How To Protect the Jaw and Prevent Facial Changes
If you are missing teeth or are scheduled to have teeth extracted, the best way to protect your oral health (including your remaining teeth, jawbone, and gums) is to replace those teeth with a permanent restoration like dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that secure to your jawbone and attached to a crown, bridge, or denture, provide a beautiful, natural-looking replacement for lost teeth.
Because they fill the space in your jaw where your original tooth once was, dental implants also help maintain the integrity of your jawbone, preventing further deterioration and helping protect the appearance of your face.
Don’t give missing teeth the power to change your appearance. Speak to your dentist about the benefits of dental implants today!
About Dr. Land
Dr. Suzanne Land believes in getting to know each of her patients and fostering a meaningful relationship with them.
Dr. Land is well versed in many aspects of dentistry, including dental implants. She has taken extensive continuing education courses in such topics as All-on-5, full mouth reconstruction and esthetic reconstruction.
To schedule an appointment to learn more about dental implants, please visit our website or call us at 856-235-0449.