Do I Really Need to Replace That Missing Tooth?

If you have a missing tooth, it can be tempting to just ignore it – especially if it doesn’t seem to be causing any immediate discomfort or loss of function. After all, if you can still eat without difficulty and it isn’t severely impacting your smile, there’s certainly no harm in deciding not to replace it – right? Wrong! As it turns out, there are many reasons why you should replace any missing teeth as soon as you possible can. Here are just a few:

Missing Teeth Harm Overall Dental Stability

Whenever there’s a gap between teeth, there is a risk that the remaining teeth may shift into that empty space. Under ordinary circumstances, your teeth work together to maintain a delicate balance within your mouth. Each tooth occupies its own space, and that helps to keep them all in place. A lost tooth disrupts that balance and can result in further tooth loss as the remaining teeth move and become weaker over time.

A Missing Tooth Can Impact Your Jaw and Gums

Your teeth need to be in their proper place to ensure that the relationship between teeth and bone remains intact. When any of your teeth are lost or removed, it can disrupt that relationship. Without a replacement tooth, your jaw bone could even begin to shrink over time – and that will cause your gums to pull back as well. When that happens, the remaining teeth could be weakened to the point where they too start to come loose.

Missing Teeth Alter Your Face’s Appearance

Have you ever noticed how someone’s face looks when their dentures are removed? There is a noticeable change in appearance, as the cheeks are hollowed out and parts of the face sag. If you don’t replace missing teeth, you will eventually find that there is nothing there to stabilize your cheeks and your lips, which can result in a sagging effect that makes you look much older than you actually are.
The good news is that you don’t have to endure any of these negative consequences. When you lose a tooth – for any reason – you should immediately consult with your dentist to determine your best tooth replacement options. Depending on your situation and needs, your dentist could offer any variety of treatment options, ranging from a dental implant to a bridge or dentures. Regardless of the solution, the important thing is that you get the tooth replacement you need to protect your dental health and appearance.

At Ebenezer Dental, our committed team is dedicated to ensuring that all our patients receive the best tooth replacement treatments modern dentistry can offer. We provide a welcoming, comfortable environment, and care from the best dentist in midtown Manhattan. You owe it to yourself to protect your teeth and gums, and we have the dental services you need to accomplish that mission. Give us a call today to learn more about your tooth replacement options, and schedule your next appointment.