26 Dec Common Problems Associated with Missing Teeth
For many people, the fear of losing teeth to gum disease or injuries is based on how it might affect their appearance. While missing teeth obviously diminish the natural beauty of your smile, missing teeth also create many dental and general health problems.
Here at Prescott Dentistry, our staff is keenly aware of the issues related to missing teeth. Using biometric dentistry, we seek to prevent the problems caused by tooth loss. If you have missing teeth, our tooth replacement and dental implant options can restore your smile and your oral health.
Common Missing Teeth Problems
Smiles with Gaps and Crooked Teeth
Missing teeth do a lot more than simply leaving a gap. Because our teeth have naturally evolved to keep the others in place, a missing tooth affects all your other teeth. Unless you replace a missing tooth right away, your other teeth can shift and become misaligned or crooked, causing all sorts of problems. There is even a risk of additional tooth loss—if you have a missing tooth, the nearby teeth can become loose and vulnerable to decay.
Gum Disease and General Health Risks
The number one cause of tooth loss is gum disease—in fact, more than 50% of American adults have some form of gingivitis or periodontitis. However, tooth loss isn’t the only problem that gum disease causes.
Research shows that gum disease also increases the risk of heart disease. Gum disease introduces harmful bacteria into your body’s bloodstream, which leads to infections and even cardiovascular damage. These blood vessel changes can make you more susceptible to heart disease and increase your risk of developing diabetes.
Whether you’re missing a tooth due to accident, injury, or decay, your risk of gum disease increases significantly. To protect your health, you should get the missing tooth replaced immediately and take measures to prevent further loss.
How to Prevent Missing Teeth
The best way to prevent tooth loss and common missing teeth problems is to practice good oral hygiene. Twice daily brushing—especially with an electric toothbrush—along with daily flossing and regular dental cleanings will help you prevent tooth loss as well as gum disease.
However, if you have already lost a tooth, your best option for preventing further problems is a tooth replacement. The most effective solution is to replace your missing tooth with a dental implant and a crown or bridge. This surgical procedure provides permanent replacements that look and feel just like natural teeth.
Do You Need a Tooth Replacement?
Give your smile the protection it deserves! If you have experienced tooth loss and wish to avoid the common issues associated with missing teeth, ask Prescott Dentistry about whether a dental implant would work for you. Many routine implant procedures can be performed right here in our office, without the need for referral to an oral surgeon. If you have any questions about this state-of-the-art treatment for missing teeth, call us at 928-445-1660 to schedule an appointment today.
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