Do You Have Missing Teeth?

It is important to replace missing teeth for proper chewing of food, jaw support, stability of the remaining teeth, and an attractive smile. Missing teeth disrupts proper function and the teeth next to and above the missing tooth/teeth will shift, move, and tip into the space in time. It is much easier to restore a missing tooth soon after it is lost than waiting a number of years after teeth have shifted significantly. A dentist or prosthodontist can determine the best method to replace your missing tooth or teeth.

Missing teeth are replace through removable partial dentures, fixed dental prostheses (“bridges”), or dental implants. A discussion with your dentist would help in determining which option is right for you.

Missing Teeth Lead to Other Health Problems:

  • Infection- gum disease
  • Bone damage- loss of bone in jaw
  • Collapse of bite- teeth no longer fit together to chew
  • Remaining teeth shift, tilt, and extrude
  • Grinding and clenching- causes excessive wear and pain
  • Broken teeth- remaining teeth are over stressed
  • Headaches
  • Joint pain- TMJ (temporomandibular joint)
  • Collapse or lower face
  • Collapse of lips
  • Premature aging
  • Loss of ability to chew nutritious foods
  • Digestive problems
  • Illness
  • Lower life expectancy by 10 year