That missing tooth might not seem like a big deal, especially if it's not visible when you smile. Before you decide to simply live with the gap, your dentist in Greeley wants you to understand what's really happening beneath the surface. Those empty spaces can trigger a chain of events that affect your health, appearance, and confidence.
What Happens When You Lose a Tooth?
When a tooth goes missing, it's not just about the visible gap. Several concerning changes begin almost immediately:
- Remaining Teeth Shift— Nature abhors a vacuum, and your mouth is no exception. Adjacent teeth gradually tilt or drift toward the space, disrupting your bite alignment.
- Jawbone Begins to Shrink — Without regular stimulation from tooth roots, your jawbone starts to deteriorate in that area. Estimates say up to 25 percent of bone width can be lost in the first year alone!
- Facial Structure Changes — As bone decreases, facial features may collapse inward, creating a prematurely aged appearance with more wrinkles around the mouth.
- Chewing Efficiency Decreases — Each missing tooth reduces chewing capacity, potentially limiting your diet and affecting nutrition.
The Domino Effect of Missing Teeth
One missing tooth makes the remaining teeth work harder, increasing their risk for the following issues:
- Excessive wear and fractures
- Decay and gum disease
- Additional tooth loss
- TMJ problems and jaw pain
Options to Restore Your Smile
The good news? Modern dentistry offers excellent solutions to replace missing teeth:
- Dental Implants — This tooth replacement is considered the gold standard. An implant replaces the root and crown for unmatched stability and bone preservation.
- Dental Bridges — A bridge is a fixed prosthetic that fills the gap by anchoring to adjacent teeth, restoring appearance and function.
- Partial Dentures — A removable partial replaces multiple missing teeth, keeping the remaining natural teeth intact.
Each tooth replacement has unique advantages, and your dentist in Greeley can help you determine which is best for your specific situation.
Which Tooth Replacement Is for You?
Your oral health affects your overall well-being more than you might realize. Contact Bagley Dental in Greeley to learn about your options and take a step toward a complete, healthy smile!