Losing a tooth can do more than just disrupt your smile; it can affect your health, function, and confidence in ways you may not expect. Whether it’s caused by decay, gum disease, trauma, or another concern, untreated tooth loss can have a lasting impact. In this post, Dr. Diana Tadros highlights some of the most common consequences of missing teeth and describes how modern restorative dentistry can help.
- Jawbone deterioration. Without the stimulation provided by a tooth root, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink. Over time, this bone loss may change the shape of your face and create issues when facial tissues lose their structural support.
- Shifting and bite problems. When a tooth is missing, neighboring teeth may drift into the gap, leading to misalignment. This can compromise chewing efficiency and place strain on your jaw, potentially causing TMJ discomfort or bite-related problems.
- Speech and chewing difficulties. Even a single tooth can influence how you speak or how comfortably you eat. Missing front teeth, for example, can create a lisp, while gaps in the back of the mouth may make chewing tough and restrict the variety of foods you enjoy.
- Increased risk of decay and gum disease. A gap in your smile can create hard-to-clean areas where food debris and bacteria can linger, raising the chance of developing decay or gum disease in neighboring teeth.
Fortunately, tooth loss doesn’t have to be permanent. Dr. Tadros offers advanced restorative solutions designed to rebuild your smile and restore proper function.
- Dental implants. Generally considered the gold standard for replacing teeth, dental implants are designed to act as artificial tooth roots and fuse with your jawbone. They can preserve bone density and provide strength and stability without affecting your speech or chewing ability.
- All‑on‑4® implant dentures. If several teeth are missing or failing, All‑on‑4® implant dentures offer a full-arch replacement anchored by just four to eight implants. These implants anchor a custom-designed denture that stays securely in place, eliminating the need for adhesives or daily removal.
If you’re dealing with missing teeth, Dr. Tadros can help you explore your options and choose a solution that fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals. Contact Beauty and the Teeth Dental today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you smile with confidence again!
