Why Replacing Lost Teeth Is Important
No matter your age, losing teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health and overall wellbeing. Physical pain as well as emotional distress and lack of self-confidence are just a few of the many side effects losing teeth can cause. In this article, Carolina Family Dental will tell you why it’s important to replace a lost tooth and how you can quickly and easily get it done.
First, let’s discuss the side effects of losing a tooth. The most common physical and mental side effects caused by a lost tooth include:
Shifting of teeth still in place. When a tooth falls out, the teeth surrounding it naturally shift to fill the empty space. The quicker you take care of the lost tooth, the higher chance you have of avoiding this consequence.
Changes in facial appearance. If the tooth lost is a front, visible tooth, your smile and overall facial appearance may change. This can have damaging mental effects and contribute to a lack of self-confidence.
Gum recession. If left untreated long enough, a lost tooth can start to cause gum recession, the process in which the margin of the gum tissue that surrounds the teeth wears away, or pulls back causing pain, discomfort, and bad dental hygiene. In extreme cases, gum recession will need to be surgically repaired.
Decrease in self-confidence. Having a missing tooth can severely alter a person’s self-confidence and affect how they view themselves. A lack of self-confidence can lead to isolation and hiding from family, friends, and enjoyable activities.
How To Replace A Lost Tooth
When it comes to replacing a tooth, there are several options available. It is always best to consult with an experienced dentist first, like those at Carolina Family Dental, to determine the best option for you.
Dental implant. A dental implant is a medical device that is surgically implanted into the jaw to restore a person's lost tooth. It acts like a replaced tooth root and helps to restore a person’s ability to chew, use their mouth, etc.
Fixed bridge. Receiving a fixed bridge is another, more intricate means to fixing a lost tooth. A fixed bridge bridges the gap between missing teeth. This process can take up to a few months as it requires multiple trips to the dentist for sizing and customization.
Removable dentures. If an implant or bridge are not right for you, your dentist may suggest removable partial dentures to fix the functional and aesthetic issues your missing tooth is causing. Removable dentures can be removed by the patient quickly and easily and last for up to seven years before needing a replacement.
As you can see, losing a tooth can cause a lot of physical and emotional distress. Aside from underlying health problems that may occur, not treating a lost tooth can alter aspects of your everyday life. If you are suffering from a lost tooth, be sure to contact Carolina Family Dental here and determine the best next steps for your case.