A missing tooth is one of the first things people may see when they look at their smile in the mirror. Even when a tooth missing is visible, many people may still try to ignore it. But, doing so can cause health problems and may require a visit to a periodontist Rochester NY. Let’s explore some of the reasons why you shouldn’t ignore a missing tooth and what can be done to fix the problem.
What Causes Someone to Lose a Tooth?
Missing teeth can be caused by several different factors including missing teeth from birth, accident, trauma, tooth decay, periodontal disease, or wear and tear. Whatever the cause may be, the most important thing is that you decide to take care of the problem in an effective way to improve your oral health.
What Health Concerns Can a Missing Tooth Cause if I Ignore It?
Choosing to ignore a missing tooth can lead to a variety of problems. For starters, missing one tooth can make it harder to eat properly or even speak properly.[1] If you are missing more than one tooth, this problem is compounded. Our mouths are made to function with a complete set of teeth to carry out all of their functions the right way.
Also, if you are missing too many teeth, the soft structures around your mouth will be affected. They begin to sag, making you look older than your actual age. This can also impact the shape of your face.[2] When someone’s appearance is affected, it can also damage their self-esteem and self-confidence. If you don’t like what you see in the mirror or are constantly worried about what other people are thinking, you won’t be able to function at your best.
Missing teeth will also affect the stability of the remaining teeth. When you are missing teeth, you may be forced to chew on only one side of your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to work harder and may cause them to break down or have other problems of their own. When a tooth is missing, you may notice that the remaining teeth may begin to shift towards the empty space. This, in turn, can lead to alignment issues. It was found that people with teeth live up to 10 years longer than people with missing teeth.[3]
How Can I Take Care of a Missing Tooth?
It is easy to avoid problems that can arise due to a missing tooth. However, dental implants are often the recommended option because they look and feel like natural teeth. This can be done for one tooth or multiple teeth that are missing.
People who have had dental implants to replace missing teeth often comment on how much easier it is to eat and even speak. To be a good candidate for dental implants, you should be in general good health and oral health.[4] Once you get dental implants, you should take care of them just as you would natural teeth.
How Can a Periodontist Rochester NY Help?
When you visit a periodontist Rochester NY, they will take an in-depth look at your mouth and your missing teeth. From there, they can let you know whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. At Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, Dr. Zahavi has helped countless patients with dental implants to improve their smiles and overall function of their mouths.
Dr. Zahavi uses cutting-edge technology, such as 3D CAT Scan technology, for the best outcomes for dental implants. If you want more information on how you can treat your missing teeth, contact Dr. Zahavi today to set up an appointment at 585-685-2005.
Sources:
[1] https://www.perio.org/node/222
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/missing-teeth#missing-teeth-impact
[3] https://www.dentistrytoday.com/life-expectancy-linked-to-number-of-teeth/
