Missing teeth is an issue that’s cosmetic, but it can also cause problems with your oral health. At Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer many solutions to replace missing teeth. Dr. Emily Ann Reece, a dentist in Cary, NC, discusses why you should replace your missing teeth and the solutions we offer.
Cosmetic Issues
First, missing a tooth is a cosmetic problem, particularly if you’re missing a tooth in the front of your smile. It can be something that you worry about trying to hide instead of just relaxing and enjoying yourself when you’re with company. When you’re missing a tooth, your other teeth will try to make up for the gap that’s now in your smile. So you may have crooked teeth to deal with in the future as well.
Oral Health Problems
You may think that having one missing tooth isn’t a big deal, but just one can still increase your likelihood of further oral health issues. When you’re missing one tooth, you’re more likely to continue to lose more teeth. The teeth that remain are also more likely to succumb to tooth decay, and you’re also more at risk of developing gum disease.
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone starts to deteriorate in that area. The more it wears away, the more you’ll be able to notice where you lost a tooth. Bone deterioration causes the face to sag in the area where it’s taken place.
Depending on where the missing tooth is in your mouth, you may also have trouble eating or speaking. Certain foods may have to be removed from your diet because they’re too hard to chew when you have a missing tooth. Having a gap in your teeth can also contribute to a lisp or other speech impediments.
Replacing Your Missing Teeth
Luckily, there are many methods to replace your missing teeth. In particular, we recommend dental implants. Dental implants — particularly when finished with a dental crown — both look and feel the most like your natural teeth. You can retain your full, normal diet and don’t have to deal with any added maintenance. They’re easy to take care of and are designed to last for a long time.
We have other tooth replacement options available as well. Dental bridges are ideal for replacing a few consecutive missing teeth. Dentures can replace a full arch of missing teeth, but partial dentures are available as well. These are similar to dental bridges and can replace one or more missing teeth.
Replace Missing Teeth at Your Cary, North Carolina Dentist
If you’re missing a tooth, we can help you find the right tooth replacement solution at Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Call us or schedule a consultation with us online to get started.