Tooth loss is not only due to poor oral health. There are many reasons why you might be dealing with tooth loss, and there are many options available to replace them. Replacing missing teeth is important because missing teeth can pose a threat to your oral health. Plano, TX dentist Dr. Jacob Grapevine offers several treatment options to patients who want to refresh their smile and protect their oral health.
Consequences of Missing Teeth
In addition to affecting your appearance, missing teeth can affect tooth stability, jawbone health, and increase your risk of gum disease. Even if a space between teeth isn’t visible, you should still consider options to replace them to protect your smile’s long-term health.
The most serious risk of leaving gaps in the teeth is jaw bone loss, which can risk the health of the surrounding gum tissues and teeth. When teeth are missing, the underlying jawbone is no longer stimulated and begins to recede. The teeth surrounding the gaps left behind become less stable in the mouth and may become crooked, loose, or cause jaw alignment problems.
Loose or crooked teeth, or a misaligned jaw, can increase your risk for gum disease. Crooked teeth are more difficult to clean, and loose teeth may allow bacteria to settle in. These teeth can also become overcrowded as the jawbone continues to deteriorate, posing a risk of tooth fracture or tooth decay.
How to Replace Missing Teeth
There are several restorative dental treatments available to replace missing teeth. Dental bridges are an option for closing the gap, but they do not preserve underlying jaw bone health. Dental implants are a popular long-term tooth replacement treatment because they actually replace the root of the missing tooth, which stimulates jaw bone growth.
If you have multiple dental concerns, you may benefit from a smile makeover, which is a customized combination of multiple cosmetic and restorative treatments to refresh your smile.
No matter your cosmetic goals, it’s important to replace missing teeth to protect your oral health. Replacing missing teeth reduces your risk of gum disease, which is linked to systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Restorative Dentistry in Plano, TX
The first step in determining the best treatment for your situation is finding a local dentist you can trust. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team online today or call (972) 268-6480 to discuss your options with our compassionate, patient-focused team.