Three Important Reasons To Replace Missing Teeth

Have you recently learned that you need to have a tooth extracted and are unsure if the tooth should be replaced? There can be many reasons a tooth needs to be extracted, such as decay, injury, trauma, and medical conditions. No matter the reason for the extraction, a missing tooth can leave patients feeling self-conscious, especially if the area is visible when talking or smiling. Patients who are missing a front tooth are extremely eager to choose a tooth replacement option as soon as possible. Hesitation occurs when the missing tooth is a rear molar and not visible. We want to encourage patients with any missing teeth, no matter the location, to discuss a tooth replacement option with our team as soon as possible to avoid lasting damage to your oral health.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

There are endless reasons to replace missing teeth; however, we want to share three of the most important reasons that we encourage patients to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss tooth replacement options:

Surrounding Teeth Can Become Damaged
Teeth work together as a unit, and when one is removed, it changes the function of the surrounding teeth. The teeth can become damaged and show signs of premature wear. This affects the enamel of the teeth and can lead to issues such as cracked teeth.
Teeth Can Shift
Teeth love to fill empty spots in the mouth, and when a tooth is missing, the remaining teeth begin to shift out of place. This can lead to crooked teeth and overcrowding issues. Shifting teeth can also affect the bite, changing the way a patient may chew food or even speak.
Impact Jaw Health
A missing tooth leads to jaw deterioration. A healthy jaw needs the stimulation provided by a tooth root, and when that is missing, it can lead to the breakdown of the bone. Over time, this can cause the facial muscles to droop and the face to show signs of premature aging.

At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, we are happy to discuss the variety of tooth replacement options we offer. We will discuss your lifestyle and budget and find a solution that will leave you beautiful and lasting results. Call our office located in Denton, MD to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!