There are many ways you can lose a tooth. It could get knocked out in an accident, or while playing contact sports. It might fall out if its root dies, or need to be extracted because of severe decay. But no matter how you lost your tooth, the most important thing to do is to get a replacement as soon as possible.
Missing teeth affect both your health and your appearance, as well as your ability to eat, speak, and smile normally. Here’s more from the team at Lone Tree Modern Dental about why you should replace missing teeth and the types of tooth replacement options available.
Three Reasons Why You Should Replace Lost or Missing Teeth
Prevent Your Other Teeth from Shifting
When you’re missing a tooth, your other teeth lose some of their stability. Without the support of the tooth that was lost, the teeth on either side will start to drift to fill the gap. This starts a chain reaction as the other neighboring teeth lose their support and start to shift as well. If your teeth have shifted, you will probably need an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign to straighten them again before you can replace your missing tooth.
Restore Your Ability to Eat, Speak, and Smile
Missing a tooth or multiple teeth makes it difficult to do normal, everyday things like eating and smiling. You might avoid certain foods you used to enjoy because you can’t chew them anymore. Or you might hesitate to smile if you are worried that the gap between your teeth will show. Missing teeth can even change the way you talk, and make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds.
Preserve Your Appearance
Another side effect of missing teeth is changes to your face. Missing teeth can cause facial sagging, changes in shape due to bone loss, sunken cheeks, and other distortions. Replacing your missing teeth as soon as possible can stop your face from changing, and even if there have already been some changes, replacements will help restore your normal appearance.
Three Options for Replacing Lost or Missing Teeth
Dental Bridges
When you are missing one or two teeth, you can usually replace them with a dental bridge. The false teeth are attached to two crowns that are cemented to the teeth on either side of the gap. You do need to have healthy teeth next to the missing ones in order to get a dental bridge.
Partial Dentures
If you are missing several teeth in the same area, partial dentures can provide a solution. Partial dentures are removable tooth replacements that attach to your gums and your other teeth. Taking care of dentures does require some extra time, but they can restore your smile and your ability to talk and chew.
Dental Implants
For a more permanent solution to missing teeth, dental implants offer both strength and longevity. They look just like natural teeth and can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth as well. They are surgically attached to your jaw, so they are very strong, and will allow you to eat normally again.
Tooth Replacement in Lone Tree, Colorado
If you have a missing tooth (or teeth) it’s important to get a replacement as soon as you can! The dentists and oral surgeons at Lone Tree Modern Dental can help you restore your smile and protect your dental health. Schedule an appointment today to discuss the options available and find out how we can complete your smile.