Missing Teeth Can Be Risky to Your Overall Health

Some people may believe that the loss of a tooth is no big deal. Although a gap may be slightly uncomfortable (and very unattractive), they aren’t concerned because they are still able to chew and talk.

Unfortunately, the small problems caused by missing teeth today can result in much larger problems later in life. The damage to other teeth, to bone and to the jaw occurs gradually, so people are usually unaware of what’s occurring until the damage is severe.

When a tooth is gone, the bone in the jaw beneath it starts receding. The adjacent teeth start moving into the space, which affects the bite of the whole mouth. The teeth function incorrectly because of incorrect bite and are much more likely to break. This can cause nutritional problems—it’s hard to chew good food with a mouth full of broken or missing teeth. It can also cause psychological problems, since missing teeth can make a person look older and feel unattractive.

There are several alternatives available for people who have lost teeth but want to avoid the unhealthy consequences. One option is a dental bridge, an artificial tooth connected to the teeth on either side of the gap. There is one major drawback to this solution: the teeth to which the bridge is attached must be cut back to place the bridge. This leaves them more susceptible to decay and even to eventual loss.

A better choice for many people is a dental implant with a replacement tooth on top. The dental implant is surgically placed in your jaw, and the bone grows around it, giving you a firm foundation for your new tooth. Dental implants offer the most natural looking and natural feeling alternative to your own teeth.

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