The Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth

It can be an emotional and upsetting experience to experience tooth loss. Patients are often motivated to replace their teeth when a front tooth is gone; however, the same urgency often isn’t felt when a back tooth is missing. Every tooth, no matter the location, should be replaced. The only teeth that are never replaced are when wisdom teeth are removed or certain teeth are removed for orthodontic purposes. Although teeth are individual units in the mouth, they all work together to function properly. When one tooth is missing, it can interrupt and change the roles of the surrounding teeth. Here are some reasons replacing your tooth is vital to your oral health:

Teeth love to move and when there is an opening in the mouth caused by a missing tooth, the teeth will move out of place. This can lead to severe issues, such as overcrowding.

When teeth are missing from the mouth and not replaced, the jawbone will begin to deteriorate due to the lack of stimulation provided by the tooth root. This will eventually lead to the face having a sunken appearance, which can show premature signs of aging on the face.

A sudden change in bite and the way you chew your food can cause continuous pressure and discomfort in the jaw and facial muscles. Over time, this can lead to serious complications with the temporomandibular joint and the development of TMD.

Dealing with tooth loss can greatly impact your mental health, leading to issues with depression. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, experience frequent discomfort, and have difficulty eating and speaking properly, it can make anyone feel upset or discouraged.

We are here to help you choose the best tooth replacement for your lifestyle and budget. If you are interested in learning which tooth replacement method we would recommend for you or a loved one, be sure to contact our office located in Appleton, WI to schedule an appointment. We want to help restore your smile!