SUFFER FROM A TOOTH LOSS, NOW WHAT? Comfort Dental has spent time sharing the dental options when a tooth is lost. We have evaluated implants, bridges, and dentures.
Given the merit of these dental solutions, WHAT IF someone chooses to do nothing? What’s the impact beyond a gap in their smile? Or maybe the space is in the back, so what if they ignore it?
IMPACT OF IGNORING A TOOTH LOSS
The reality is tooth loss creates problems over time. No, the lasting effects may not appear over night.
However, examples of 4 tooth loss issues include:
- Dissolving of bone structure
- Loss of support for the face leading to increased appearance of age & wrinkles
- Damage to remaining teeth bearing greater stress during chewing
- Changes in food choices that can impact nutrition
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As life expectancy increases, this gives us more time to find ourselves with a lost tooth (or lost teeth). Here are 3 interesting stats:
- In 1965, the average life span was 65 years, whereas in 1990 it was 78 years.
- A person making it to 65 years old, can now expect to live 16.7 more years.
- A person making it to 80 years old can statistically expect to live more than 8 years longer.
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The following illustrations helps explain the changes the mouth goes through with a tooth loss.
Interestingly, the bone in the body acts very similar to a muscle. When muscles are exercised, they grow strong and larger. When bone is exercised or stimulated, it also becomes stronger.
So, when you chew, talk and bite together this action helps to keep the bone of your jaw stronger.
The opposite is also true. The second illustrations shows the bone loss in the area of the missing tooth.
To further complicate this situation, surrounding teeth begin to drift when the neighboring tooth is missing. These changes in the mouth can make teeth more prone to decay and gums at greater risk of infection.
Your teeth fit together much like a working puzzle. If a piece of the puzzle is missing, it is difficult for the system to hold it’s proper shape.
It stands to reason that if more than one tooth is missing this situation and the results are compounded.
When several teeth are missing, the impact to a person’s overall appearance can be dramatic as the shape of the face changes with the drifting of teeth and loss of bone.
Fortunately modern dentistry offers many options for people who find themselves with a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth – all of which can help keep the structure of your mouth in tact.
Dr. Randall Brucken and Dr. Lawrence Stubbs – and our entire team – take great pride in the care and options we can offer our patients. As with so many things in life, taking steps early to address a situation is easier than dealing with issues down the road.
As we mentioned above, we have evaluated solutions. Here are links to implants, bridges, and dentures. If you have a gap in your smile, let us know if you have questions. We are here to help!
