Missing Tooth? Explore The Consequences & Solutions

Tooth loss is not uncommon. In fact, by the age 50, the average American adult has lost 12 permanent teeth, according to Harvard Medical School.

Replacing missing teeth is an important part of restoring your confidence in your smile, and it is also key to maintaining dental health and a fully functioning bite.

The Teeth Surrounding Your Missing Tooth

When a gap is left by a missing tooth, the surrounding teeth have a tendency to shift because that tooth is no longer helping to keep everything in line. Teeth may become crooked or new gaps may appear.

Another issue that may occur is super-eruption. This happens when one tooth that opposes the site of the missing tooth may start to grow out from its position.

Fortunately, there are many tooth replacement options from dental implants and dentures to dental bridges.

Biting and Chewing

Teeth function as a unit. Properly aligned teeth come together harmoniously when you bite and chew. When you eat and have a missing tooth or teeth, more stress may be placed on the remaining teeth; or, you may not chew adequately because of the missing tooth, which can affect how easily your body is able to digest food.

Chewing is also the first step in the digestive process. You may find yourself avoiding some of your favorite chewy, crunchy or firm foods because they are difficult to chew.

The Alignment of Your Bite

Occlusion is the way your teeth contact each other. It's the relationship between your upper and lower teeth, and how they come together when you bite down.

A missing tooth eventually leads to changes in your bite, interfering with the ideal occlusion you enjoyed previously. By replacing the tooth, a balanced bite can be restored.

Your Feelings about Your Teeth and Smile

The way you feel about your smile is very important. You should feel beautiful every time you smile! Grinning is an important way to emote and communicate with other people. A missing tooth can easily cause you to hold back. Our dentists love having the privilege of restoring people's smiles. We get to see the life-changing joy it can bring to someone.

Contact Aspenwood Dental Today

Are you missing one or more teeth? We recommend discussing your options with one of our caring, experienced dentists. After examining your teeth and mouth, they can help you decide if teeth replacement is right for you.

To arrange your visit at Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center in Aurora, please call (303) 751-3321.