Poor oral hygiene and other factors could cause one or more of our natural teeth to become lost. When we develop missing teeth, the health, function, and beauty of our smile, and even the appearance of our facial structure, could change. In today’s blog, your Brighton, MA, dentists will discuss the factors behind tooth loss, and how we replace missing teeth.
The Factors Behind Missing Teeth
If we suffer an accident or injury, this could knock a tooth loose or out completely. Dental emergencies are common causes of missing teeth, fortunately we’re often able to restore them and provide replacements! Other factors include advanced tooth decay or dental infection, which could grow so severe a tooth needs to be extracted to prevent infection from spreading, or the tooth could simply fall out. However, the most common reason adults lose their natural teeth is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. The disease impacts half of adults over 30, and without routine care to manage it, could destroy the tissues connecting your teeth and gums. Losing teeth then leads to multiple complications for both your smile and your overall facial esthetics.
Problems for Your Oral Health
Minor tooth loss could cause surrounding teeth to drift due to the gaps in your smile, the resulting misalignment altering your smile’s appearance and increasing the risk of issues linked tooth decay and poor periodontal health. For others, missing teeth could upset bite balance and strain your jaw joints, so painful disorders like TMD or bruxism (teeth grinding) occur. Once the body notices missing roots, the flow of key nutrients to that portion of the jawbone will be suspended. Without these nutrients, the bone tissue loses mass and density, causing further tooth loss and an aged appearance!
Treatment with Dental Implants and More
To replace your missing teeth, our team could offer implant dentistry. We insert one or more biocompatible titanium posts into the jawbone. We then attach restorations to individual ones, or use several to support a bridge or denture. Your new teeth have the potential to last decades, as the body accepts them as natural. This stimulates jawbone growth and prevents further tooth loss or an aged appearance. If you have any questions about how we approach treating tooth loss, or about avoiding the loss of one or more natural teeth, then contact our team today. We want to help you maintain a complete smile!
Do You Have Questions About Prosthetic Dentistry?
We want to help you enjoy a full smile again with a lifelike and durable dental bridge or implant. To learn more about our lifelike prosthetics, then schedule a consultation by calling Brighton Family Dental Group in Brighton, MA, today at (617) 562-5210. We proudly welcome patients from Brighton, Watertown, and all surrounding communities.
