Did you know that missing teeth can lead to bone regression in your face?
The Consequences of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth affect the appearance of the smile.
Missing teeth leave gaps in the smile and can be embarrassing. When a patient has even one missing tooth they may feel self-conscious and hide their smiles. Patients who are missing teeth also may find it difficult to eat or speak properly, diminishing their overall quality of life.
Missing teeth compromise the function of the jaw and may lead to TMJ.
Missing teeth can cause changes in your bite and the health of your jaw. Missing teeth may allow the remaining teeth to shift, causing crooked teeth and an uneven bite. A misaligned bite can often lead to more complex TMJ related concerns such as chronic pain due to the malfunction of the jaw joint.
Missing teeth can cause the jaw bone to recede.
Over time, a patient with missing teeth will begin to experience a bone recession. With out the root system to stabilize the jaw bone, the bone tissue begins to break down. Bone deterioration can cause the face to sag or sink inwards making patients appear older than they are.
A smile with missing teeth is more prone to developing gum disease.
The gums become more susceptible to a bacterial infection known as periodontal disease. With out the tooth in place, there is a large entry point for infection and bacteria to enter the gums and blood stream. Gum disease is a progressive disease that has been linked to an increase in inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even Alzheimers. Gum health is essential for keeping teeth in place and your smile healthy.
What should I do if I am missing teeth?
If you are missing teeth, there are options to replace them. Shippensburg, PA restorative dentist Dr. Zachary Sisler offers full-service dental implants for the replacement of missing teeth. Dental implants provide natural function, aesthetics and long term oral health for patients with missing teeth. Dr. Sisler also provides All-On-Four, removable dental bridges and traditional dentures for missing teeth.
If you want to learn more about replacing missing teeth, contact our Shippensburg, PA dentist office at (717) 271-7052 or request an appointment online. We welcome new patients and serve many local communities including Chambersburg, Greencastle, Waynesboro, and Hagerstown.