Missing one or several teeth affects more than your willingness to share your smile with the world. Gaps left behind by a missing tooth open the door to an array of harmful dental issues, some of which can have serious effects on your overall health.
At Atlanta Smiles & Wellness, Drs. Dina Giesler and Marianna Kovitch strive to educate their patients so they can make informed decisions when it comes to their oral health. Here, the dentists explain why it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
1. Gum Disease
Gaps and spaces in the mouth increase the risk of gum disease, an infection of the gum tissues that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease is also linked to serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and certain cancers.
2. Difficulty Chewing
Depending on the location, a missing tooth can make chewing foods difficult. Not only does this affect your ability to enjoy your favorite foods, but it can also affect digestion and lead to problems such as acid reflux.
3. Speech Impairment
Gaps left behind by missing teeth can affect your ability to enunciate properly. They may also lead you to slur your words, whistle unintentionally, or spit when speaking.
4. Bone Loss
Teeth stimulate and support the jawbone. Without them, the bone atrophies and slowly deteriorates. As it does, the surrounding teeth can loosen and eventually fall out. If you are considering replacing a missing tooth with an implant in the future, be advised that waiting too long may increase the amount of bone loss, which in turn can lead to a more difficult implant procedure.
5. Shifting Teeth
When a tooth falls out, the surrounding teeth can shift around in the mouth to fill the space, causing them to become misaligned and disrupting the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting down.
6. Changes in Facial Appearance
Teeth support the shape and structure of the face. Missing teeth lead to bone deterioration which in turn can cause the facial structures to collapse and appear sunken or hollow. Replacing missing teeth restores a fuller and more younger-looking facial appearance.
Restore Your Smile and Health with Dental Implants
If you are missing a tooth, don’t delay on replacing it. Drs. Giesler and Kovitch offer a number of restorative dentistry options to replace missing teeth. Among these options are dental implants, which are considered by many dentists to be the longest-lasting solution to missing teeth. Consisting of a titanium or zirconia post surgically inserted into the jawbone and a life-like artificial tooth, dental implants mimic the function and appearance of natural teeth while preserving oral health. When properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.
For more information about your options for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, please schedule a consultation. Contact Atlanta Smiles & Wellness by calling (404) 262-7733 or emailing us today.