Effects of Tooth Loss

When we lose teeth from disease or an accident, it is very important to replace missing teeth not only for appearance, but for function and health. If a tooth is lost and not replaced and the gap is present long enough, neighboring teeth shift and drift which can lead to a change in the way one chews and speaks. It can cause chronic headaches, jaw pain and affect self image.

Our teeth support our smile.  When we lose teeth, our face is altered.  The face sinks in and we are not comfortable smiling. Wrinkles and laugh lines are more pronounced making one look older. Speech can be affected. It may be difficult to pronounce words. People may avoid socializing and going out.

Not replacing missing teeth can lead to gum disease and problems with general health.  People who have difficulty chewing may tend to have poor nutrition which can affect overall health. Over time, the jawbone that used to hold the root of the tooth, starts to erode and shrink. 

In the past, people who lost teeth had only a choice of bridges or a denture to replace missing teeth.  Fortunately, today the standard of care is to replace missing teeth with dental implants. Dental implants are proven, predicable replacements for missing teeth and for securing dentures. Dental implants are small screws made of titanium that are placed in the jaw (the same material used in hip replacements). This screw takes the place of the missing tooth root. When the dental implant fuses to the jawbone (osseointegration), the restorative dentist prepares the final restoration that is placed on the top of the dental implant.

Dental implants can restore the confidence and comfort of speaking, smiling and chewing in the same fashion as natural teeth.