If you have missing tooth, you likely want to fix it as soon as you can since a missing tooth can affect the look of your smile. It’s also important to replace a lost tooth to protect your gums and the rest of your teeth. If you need to know how to replace a tooth or want information about replacing molars, here are a few factors to keep in mind.
Why Do People Lose Teeth?
One of the most common reasons people lose teeth is aging. When we get older, our enamel weakens. We also have less support in our jawbones, which makes it more difficult to retain our permanent teeth. With age, the teeth become especially fragile and there’s a greater chance of tooth loss.
Gum disease and tooth decay can also cause loss of teeth. The older we are, the more likely we are to develop these conditions. Older individuals are unable to brush their teeth for long periods due to lack of dexterity. Certain medications and health issues can also affect oral health. Many elderly patients often have dry mouth as well, and this can lead to loss of teeth. Saliva has minerals, antibodies and other protective agents that shield the teeth from damaged. We naturally don’t produce as much saliva as we age, which can lead to gum disease and the loss of one or more teeth.
People also experience tooth loss because of accidents, sports injuries and trauma that has affected the mouth. These factors don’t have an age limit, which means that both children and adults may need their teeth replaced at some point.
Why Replacing Your Lost Teeth Is So Important
During your adult life, it’s best to replace your teeth immediately, since missing one or more teeth can affect you in everyday life. Your appearance is obviously changed but your self-esteem and general health are at stake as well.
Missing teeth can disturb the balance between your bone and your teeth. When a tooth is out of place, your jaw bone will become smaller and your gums will recede. This could weaken the teeth around the area where the tooth used to be and lead to further tooth loss. If the teeth that are directly opposite of the open space in your mouth don’t receive support, you could experience orthodontic issues. Missing teeth can also make your face look hollow and older and change the shape of your mouth.
Eating With Missing Teeth
When you have missing teeth, it can be especially difficult to chew and swallow your food. You may also have trouble biting your food. This is why many older patients eat softer foods. These foods may be higher in calories and lower in nutritional value, which can result in weight gain and other health issues.
When you have missing teeth, talking can be a challenge as well. Your teeth play a huge role in the way you speak, since they add structure to your mouth and allow you to form your words correctly. You may feel uncomfortable speaking in front of crowds or have a hard time giving a presentation if you’re not feeling confident about your smile or think it will be difficult for people to understand you.
What Are The Best Options For Teeth Replacement?
If you’re missing teeth, you should know about all the options you have. Remember that the longer you wait to have your teeth replaced, the more severe your health problems could be.
Dental implants are usually the best option for tooth replacement. The implants are very similar to natural teeth and replace both the tooth and the root and the crown of the tooth. The dental implant is embedded into your bone and prevents loss of bone structure. You’ll be able to eat all the healthy foods you love. The shape of your jaw will also be restored and you’ll feel better about smiling and speaking again.
However, there are some drawbacks to having dental implants that you should be aware of. For instance, it can take up to three months for your mouth to completely heal after the implant procedure. On the bright side, implants are like receiving permanent teeth, so you should be able to use them for the rest of your life without having to replace them. Getting implants can improve your quality of life and is a long-term investment in your health.
Dental implants can also be significantly more expensive than other dental restorations. However, other methods for replacing loss teeth could result in more bone loss and higher maintenance costs. Some restorative options don’t offer much support for your jaw and gums, and this could cause you to lose more teeth over time. It’s best to talk to your doctor about the tooth restoration options that are best for you.
When you’re ready to replace a lost tooth and want to restore your smile, make an appointment with a holistic dentistry in Durango for your dental needs. We can show you how to maintain your dental health and gain confidence in your smile again.
