Why Should Tooth Loss Concern Me?

bedford tooth loss

When you lose a tooth, this means much more than just an embarrassing gap in your smile. Over time, the loss of one or more of your natural teeth could impact the health, stability, and function of your smile. In today’s blog, your Bedford, MA, dentist will explain why tooth loss should concern you, and how to seek a lifelike replacement.

The Causes of Missing Teeth

Our teeth could become lost for a number of reasons. For example, you could sustain an injury that knocks one out or severely damages them to the point extraction is necessary. You could lose a tooth to advanced decay or infection, either by having a tooth fall out or require extraction to prevent the spread of infection. However, the most common cause is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease that destroys the tissues connecting your teeth and gums. Studies from the Centers for Disese Control show half of adults over 30 suffer from some stage of periodontal disease.

The Dangers for Your Smile

When you lose a tooth, or more than one, this upsets the balance of your bite. The resulting strain on your jaw joints could lead to painful complications like TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding). The changes in balance could worsen as teeth drift from position due to the gap, leading to dental misalignment that itself increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. The lack of roots means the body stops seeing doses of key nutrients to the surrounding jawbone, causing the tissues to break down and leading to further tooth loss and an aged appearance. The loss of your teeth could also cause problems eating your favorite foods, or make speaking clearly difficult.

Possible Replacement Options

If you lose one to three teeth in a row, we could design and place a custom bridge to full the gap. We also have individual dental implants to replace a single lost tooth too. For more advanced cases, we could provide removable full or partial dentures, or secure a set of dentures with dental implants. The use of implants helps prevent the loss of jawbone density and preserves your facial structure, as the body accepts the implant post as natural roots, resuming the flow of those key nutrients. If you have any questions about avoiding tooth loss, or if you have missing teeth that need replacement, then please contact our team today to discuss possible solutions.

Have You Lost a Tooth?

We want to help preserve your smile with a custom prosthetic. To learn more about our approach to tooth replacement and preserving the health and beauty of your smile, then schedule a consultation by calling Kennedy Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Bedford, MA, today at (781) 275-0200.