What Happens If You Do Not Replace Missing Teeth?
Are you dealing with some missing teeth? If you still have most of your natural teeth, you might think you just do not see the need to replace them. Just because you do not need full dentures does not mean you should not replace the teeth that are missing. Failing to replace those teeth can have a significant impact on both your oral and physical health.
When a gap is left from a missing tooth, the neighboring teeth tend to drift and shift into that space. Your teeth can become crooked and new gaps can appear between teeth. Your bite alignment can change as well as your speech.
Partial Dentures and Implant Dentures
Full dentures are usually what you picture when you consider false teeth, but the reality is there are many options available today, especially if you are just missing a few teeth. Partial dentures are removable and will fill the gap. Implant dentures are also an option to replace several teeth, as are implant supported dental bridges. Dental implants are the closest thing to a natural tooth restoration.
What Happens If You Do Not Replace Missing Teeth?
If you happen to choose not to replace your missing tooth or teeth, you might experience the following:
* Misaligned Teeth. When you have a gap in your mouth that has not been filled, the neighboring teeth will shift into the space, resulting in your teeth becoming misaligned.
* Damage to Healthy Teeth. As the healthy teeth drift into the gap, the roots might be weakened. This will affect the health and integrity of a number of teeth and might even result in further tooth loss. Your bite will be changed from the missing teeth, which can then cause over-use and weakening of other healthy teeth.
* Bone Loss. When a tooth is no longer anchored to the jawbone with the root, the jawbone will begin to atrophy and deteriorate. A dental implant is the closest option to a natural tooth root to prevent this bone mass loss.
* Deteriorating Health. If you have missing teeth, it can be difficult over time to eat healthy, nutritious foods. This will lead to nutritional deficiencies which will affect your overall health. Without proper nutrition you might develop a serious medical condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.
* Headaches. If you find yourself chewing on one side of your mouth because it has become difficult to chew on the other, this uneven use of muscles will result in chronic, persistent headaches.
* Face Changes Shape. If you have missing teeth for an extended period, the natural shape of the lower half of your face can change. The shrinking jawbones will make your face look shorter than normal and the loose skin will begin to sag.
The Best Teeth Replacement Option
Dental implants are the new gold standard for replacing missing teeth. A tiny titanium post is surgically placed in the jawbone and will function as a natural root. An artificial crown is placed on the post after it has become bonded or fused to the jawbone. There are numerous benefits of dental implants. They are very extremely durable and will last a lifetime. Because the post replaces the root of your tooth, it will also prevent any density loss of your jawbone.