A missing tooth may seem embarrassing. When it happens, most people only think about the visible portion of a tooth, but you also lose the root, which can lead to even bigger problems down the road. It’s important to focus on more than your smile alone.
At Dental Distinction, Dr. Mohammed Mansour brings more than 22 years of professional experience to his practice in Plano, Texas. If you have one or several missing teeth, here’s why you shouldn’t wait to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Your oral health
Most people associate their teeth with smiling and chewing. That’s only natural because your teeth function together as a unit.
Each tooth in your mouth is part of an intricate structure designed to provide stability for the rest of the teeth in your mouth. That also means that losing even one tooth puts this foundation at risk. Without that single tooth, your remaining teeth begin to shift into the vacant space.
As your teeth move out of position, it impacts your alignment, causing uneven or excessive wear on your remaining teeth. It can also trigger problems with your jaw joint, more commonly known as TMJ (temporomandibular joint). When this occurs, it’s common to suffer from headaches and jaw pain.
Plus, having empty spaces in your mouth or uneven teeth increases your chances of developing gum disease because there are more areas for bacteria to collect.
Bone loss
Your teeth create a solid foundation not just above your gum line, but also below. The part of your tooth you can’t see is the root. This portion makes up approximately two-thirds of your tooth and extends deep into your jawbone, which holds it in place.
Believe it or not, your bones constantly remodel themselves over your lifetime. That means they reabsorb old bone and add bone where needed. In your mouth, your tooth root plays a part in this process by stimulating jawbone production. Unfortunately, when you lose a tooth, your body starts reabsorbing bone in the area.
Signs of bone loss in your jaw include:
- Changes in facial and bite structure
- Loosening or shifting teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Difficulty speaking
- Jaw or facial pain
- Headaches
- Lips that sink inward
- Wrinkles around the mouth
Jawbone loss can also cause you to lose more teeth and make them more difficult to replace without more extensive solutions, such as bone grafting.
Replacing missing teeth
Fortunately, there are multiple ways to replace one — or more — missing teeth. Dr. Mansour takes a comprehensive, individualized approach when working with his patients. This ensures that you get the best solution based on your unique needs.
The most common solutions for missing teeth include:
- Crowns and bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
Each of these dental treatments comes with its own advantages, so Dr. Mansour can guide you through your options after performing a thorough dental exam.
Don’t wait to replace a missing tooth. Contact Dental Distinction to schedule an appointment by calling 972-600-2943 or requesting an appointment online today.