Why You Should Replace Missing Teeth

Your teeth serve several purposes, both directly and indirectly. When you lose one or more teeth, the integrity of your mouth is compromised. Not only is it harder for you to chew your food, but the loss of the teeth can also have devastating consequences on the structural integrity of your mouth.

Top Reasons You Should Replace Missing Teeth

Filling the Gap

Your teeth work together to hold one another in place. If you lose one or more teeth, the ones that surround the gap will often try to shift towards the hole in an attempt to fill it. Filling the gap with a partial or a dental implant helps to keep the other teeth in their correct position. A dental implant acts as an abutment so that the other teeth can’t shift or move out of place.

Bone Loss

Another benefit of replacing teeth is that it prevents your jaw bone from eroding. If you decide not to replace missing teeth, you run the risk of your jawbone disintegrating. With an implant in place, the bone continues to remodel around it, strengthening the integrity of the bone and holding the other teeth firmly in place.

Maintaining the Structure

The decision to replace missing teeth will also help to maintain the structure of the mouth. If you replace a missing tooth shortly after it has been lost, the other teeth will remain in place and your bite will remain intact. If your teeth do start to shift, your bite pattern will be off and it will place unnecessary pressure on your jaw. This can cause problems with TMJ or even cause your teeth to wear unnaturally.

If you have suffered the loss of one or more teeth, it is important to consider restoring or replacing them as soon as possible. The decision to replace missing teeth ensures that the overall health of your mouth will be protected. If you have any questions about whether or not you should replace your missing teeth, speak to your dentist as soon as possible. They will provide you with the information you need to make a wise choice.

Ultimate Smile Design provides a range of restorative dentistry and dental prosthesis services, including bridges, partials, and implants. We will help you decide which is best for you if you are missing teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists. Your healthy, beautiful smile is our ultimate goal.

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