3 Reasons To Replace Missing Teeth
At Kewaskum Family Dentistry, we do everything possible to save your natural teeth, but we are not always successful. There can be a number of reasons a patient might be missing a tooth or need to have a tooth extracted, such as severe decay, trauma to the mouth or complications from an illness or medication. No matter the reason, we know that it can be traumatic to deal with the emotions and decisions that need to be made about the empty space in your mouth. Many patients wonder whether their missing teeth need to be replaced at all. This is a common question, especially when a rear molar needs to be removed. We encourage each patient to replace their missing teeth no matter the location in the mouth.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Each tooth has a responsibility, and when one tooth is missing, it can affect the way every other tooth performs. A missing tooth can lead to:
Uneven Wear
A missing tooth causes the surrounding teeth to work harder and can cause premature wear and severe damage to the other teeth. The teeth use more pressure when chewing hard and tough food. Over time, this will lead to worn teeth and eventually cracked or broken teeth.
Shifting Teeth
Teeth love to move to an empty space. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth begin to shift creating gaps between the teeth. Bite issues, overcrowding, and increased tooth decay will be soon to follow.
Helps Prevent Bone Loss
A healthy jawbone needs the stimulation of the tooth roots and when that is missing, the jawbone can begin to deteriorate. This causes the facial muscles to droop and change the facial shape.
If you are in need of a tooth replacement, 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 Kewaskum, WI to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
