There are many reasons why people might be missing teeth, and there are many different treatments available to replace them. Many patients think that replacing missing teeth is only a cosmetic issue, but there are actually real health reasons to consider treatment for missing teeth.
Dr. Pamela Cain is a Knoxville, TN dentist providing cosmetic and restorative dentistry to help patients restore health and balance to their smiles. Learn more about why replacing missing teeth is so important to both your oral health and your overall health.
Consequences of Missing Teeth
In addition to a less-than-perfect smile, missing teeth can affect jawbone health, teeth stability, and increase your risk of gum disease. The roots of our teeth do a lot of work beneath the surface of the gums to keep our teeth stable and jaw bone healthy. When the root is missing, the surrounding teeth are less stable and the jaw bone receives less stimulation, causing it to recede.
As the jaw bone recedes, the surrounding healthy teeth may become loose and may shift or even fall out. When this happens, these teeth are more susceptible to gum disease as bacteria settle into difficult-to-brush places and below the gum line. This can cause a misaligned jaw and can pose a risk of tooth fracture or tooth decay.
How to Replace Missing Teeth
It is important to replace missing teeth to keep the jaw in alignment and protect the teeth from decay. Missing teeth may result in issues with bite stability and cause problems eating or speaking, so seeking treatment is important.
There are several treatments available to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are a popular long-term tooth replacement option, as they permanently replace missing teeth and restore full functionality. Dentures or dental bridges are another option but are less permanent. If you have multiple dental concerns, you may benefit from a smile makeover, which is a combination of several treatments to give you the results you’re looking for.
Missing Teeth Treatment in Knoxville, TN
Today’s Dentistry can help restore health and balance to your smile with a variety of cosmetic dental treatments to replace missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team online today or call (865) 219-3622 to get on track to restore your smile.
