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Effects of Missing Teeth

A healthy tooth has many different roles to play in the back of your mouth. It helps you chew and grind food without problems and stabilizes the teeth around it.

Effects on Surrounding Teeth

If you lose a tooth in the back of your mouth, this has an effect on surrounding teeth. The lack of stability leaves neighboring teeth without support. They start shifting and can even collapse. Teeth in the opposing jaw can grow into the gap. This can make it difficult or even impossible to replace the missing tooth in the future and collapsing teeth might have to be taken out as well. The larger the number of teeth missing in your mouth, the more challenging it can become to replace them.

Effects on Jaw Bone and Gums

Healthy teeth constantly perform tiny micro-movements in your mouth, stimulating your gums and jaw bone in the process. If the interplay between your teeth and bone is upset because a tooth is lost, this stimulation is reduced. Your jaw bone starts shrinking and your gums pull back accordingly.

Effects on Your Appearance

Missing teeth and bone can no longer support your lips from the inside. The more teeth you lose, the more your face will change and look older and wrinkly. Your cheeks and lips are left without the necessary support and become hollow and saggy.

Effects on Your Everyday Life

Not replacing one tooth can start a chain reaction of consequences, at the end of which you may find yourself avoiding certain foods that have become difficult to eat. Self-conscious about gaps in your mouth and your changed appearance, you may stop going out or meeting friends and family.

To avoid these consequences, speak to Dr. DiCesare about missing or damaged teeth. With the help of modern dental restorations, your tooth can be replaced, and bring back your smile and quality of life.