Tooth loss is common. An estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. About 40 million Americans have lost all of their teeth. Many people with missing teeth understandably worry about how their smile looks, but there are even more serious concerns regarding oral health. Some of the complications of tooth loss include:
- Bite issues
- Bone loss in the jaw
- Facial structure changes
- Shifting teeth
- TMJ
- More wear on remaining teeth
Missing teeth often trigger a cascade effect in which problems caused by the missing teeth compound and lead to even more issues. Let’s talk through some of them.
A Dental Domino Effect
You might think that having one missing tooth isn’t a big deal. However, a small gap in your teeth can lead to several oral health issues that worsen over time.
Bone Loss and Facial Changes: Without tooth roots, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. This process is known as bone resorption, which can significantly alter the shape and structure of the jawbone. People with missing teeth may even experience a collapse of their facial structure and a prematurely aged appearance.
Tooth Migration: The remaining teeth shift into gaps, which can create bite problems, crooked teeth, stress on the remaining teeth and joints, and alignment issues.
Oral Health: Shifted teeth are more difficult to clean, and the exposed gum area becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. These dynamics increase the likelihood of gum disease and tooth decay.
Beyond Oral Health Impacts
Oral health is clearly essential as it is deeply connected with overall health. However, other issues stem from missing teeth.
Speech and Communication: Gaps in the teeth can affect pronunciation and confidence in social and professional settings.
Social and Psychological: Missing teeth can hurt self-esteem, dating, and career dynamics.
Compounding Costs: Delaying treatment for dental issues often leads to more intensive, expensive, and serious procedures and health issues as problems multiply.
Accelerated Aging: Bone loss in the jaw changes the facial structure and can lead to premature aging.
Even if you’ve lost a tooth, these negative impacts aren’t a given. Modern dentistry provides practical solutions for tooth loss, helping to mitigate oral health concerns. Dental implants function like natural tooth roots, preventing bone loss in the jaw, reducing tooth movement, and restoring alignment. They integrate with the jawbone to provide long-term stability.
Your Smile and Health Are Worth Protecting
You deserve to eat what you love, speak with confidence, and smile without anxiety. At Norco Family Dental in Greeley, CO, we can help you halt the progression of oral health issues and restore your quality of life. Whenever you’re ready, take the first step and call (970) 356-5277 today.