Millions of adults have at least one missing tooth. Tooth loss is more common among aging adults, with an increased risk of 30% for ages 65 to 74. Naturally, adults should have 32 teeth (excluding wisdom teeth). While that may sound like a lot, you’d be surprised at the impact of one or two missing teeth. Some adults assume that having a tooth extracted here and there isn’t a big deal as long as the problem tooth is in the back of their mouth, not visible when smiling. However, missing even one tooth could have a detrimental effect on your oral health. So today on the blog, Dr. Chris Mohler, an implant dentist near Hilton Head, explains the repercussions of missing one tooth.
What actually happens after getting a tooth pulled
Once a tooth is extracted, your jawbone and gums take a few days to heal, so your food choices may be limited. After the initial healing processes, you can resume eating most foods of your choice. However, depending on the location of the extracted tooth, you may find it challenging to chew certain foods like hard bread or chewy meat. But that’s only the beginning of your problems.
Jawbone resorption occurs
As we briefly mentioned early, jawbone recession or resorption occurs after tooth loss. Once the tooth is removed, there isn’t anything in its place to stimulate the jawbone. Therefore, it gradually recedes and is resorbed by the body. Then, a cascade of oral issues follows suit. However, replacing the missing tooth is a dental implant assures that the jawbone remains stable and healthy in most cases.
Teeth may drift
Teeth like to have buddies. Therefore, missing a single tooth could result in your other teeth naturally drifting out of alignment, causing gaps or crooked teeth. An uneven bite or misaligned teeth may result in fractured or broken teeth as it places uneven biting pressure on other teeth. Unless you fill the gap with an artificial tooth, these issues may cause an aesthetic problem for you.
You may experience pain in your jaw joints
Uneven teeth often result in jaw joint discomfort or pain. This results from uneven biting pressure, which may cause tension in the jaw joint muscles and tendons. Additionally, this tension could lead to a chain reaction of discomfort, leading to chronic headaches or neck or back pain.
Chewing ability may decrease
Another common problem with tooth loss is that chewing certain types of food may become challenging. The more teeth that are missing, the more difficult it may be to eat crunchy fruits and veggies or meat. Therefore, tooth loss could ultimately lead to poor nutrition because you may resort to soft, processed foods.
Tooth Replacement Options
If you have one or more missing teeth, you have options. Chris Mohler, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Bluffton, offers several options to restore your smile. A dental bridge is one of the most common tooth replacement options, as it is a three-unit prosthetic anchored to two healthy teeth (one on each side of the missing tooth). Another option is a partial denture, which is removable and not everyone’s favorite choice. If you’re interested in a long-term solution to tooth loss that also offers stability, and permanency, ask Dr. Mohler about dental implants in Beaufort. To replace a missing tooth, the implant screw is surgically placed into the jawbone, and a few months later, after the bone has healed, a permanent crown is attached, completing treatment. Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. Additionally, implants can help you maintain your existing bite alignment and prevent jawbone resorption due to a missing tooth.
Replace a missing tooth in Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Bluffton
Tooth loss can be a big deal, affecting your chewing or speaking ability, as well as your looks. But you don’t have to live with these challenges. Instead, consider scheduling a consultation with a Beaufort implant dentist to explore your tooth replacement options. Contact Chris Mohler, DDS, by calling (843) 522-1442 or contact us online today.