Why Replacing Missing Teeth Is Critical For Your Dental Wellness

Replacing missing teeth is vital for your dental and general health, regardless of if you've dealt with tooth loss for some time or are soon expecting a tooth removal. The skilled team of dentists at Parker West Dental Associates in Plano, TX routinely replace missing teeth for our patients and work one-on-one with every individual to determine the ideal method of tooth replacement. We hope that the following information offers insight into the importance of replacing missing teeth and invite you contact our team to learn more about your treatment options.

COMMON CAUSES FOR TOOTH LOSS

Tooth loss is a serious dental wellness problem and could impact people of all ages. Some of the most common reasons for missing teeth among Plano, TX patients include:

• Oral or facial trauma

• Sports injuries

• Accidents

• Severe tooth decay

• Advanced gum disease

• Extensive tooth damage

• Fractured roots

• Untreatable tooth abscesses

• Emergency dental extraction

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED WITH REPLACING A MISSING TOOTH?

Living without just one tooth might lead to a wide spectrum of oral wellness impacts, difficulties, and future concerns. Replacing a tooth following a dental extraction or tooth loss is extremely important for many reasons. Perhaps the most concerning aspect of losing a tooth, at least initially, is the impact it has on the appearance of the smile. Tooth loss, especially in the front of the mouth, leaves an unwanted gap, which certainly changes how it looks. Even a tooth missing from the back of the mouth may be evident when a person laughs or speaks. However, teeth do more than simply act as the focal point of the smile — they also allow for normal oral function. Tooth loss, in any quantity, can affect a patient’s ability to bite into foods, chew properly, and speak with ease and confidence. Apart from enabling proper biting, chewing, and speaking, teeth also help to maintain the shape and structure of the face. Losing teeth may cause the cheeks to sink inward or the lips and chin to collapse — often making a person look older than they really are.

If a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth tend to gradually maneuver toward the open area. Opposing teeth can even supra-erupt, or extrude, into the missing tooth site. These types of changes in tooth positioning can significantly impact how the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting and chewing. An uneven or improper bite can lead to additional problems, such as oral discomfort, temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), gum recession, and worn tooth enamel, among others. All the changes that impact the mouth and oral health as a result of tooth loss can affect a patient’s ability to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and eat foods high in nutritional value. Tooth loss can also carry an emotional and psychological impact. For many Plano, TX patients, losing a tooth can have a dramatic impact on how they feel about their smiles and themselves. Tooth replacement from a team of skilled dental experts, like those at Parker West Dental Associates, can help patients once again feel good about their appearance and oral health.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR TOOTH REPLACEMENT?

At Parker West Dental Associates, the knowledgeable team is pleased to provide high-quality, accessible restorations (for instance, dentures, implant-supported solutions, and bridges) for tooth replacement. A single appliance made up of two or more dental crowns that are fused together, dental bridges can replace one to a few teeth missing from within the same area of the mouth. Meanwhile, dental implants can replace missing teeth in any number and consist of a titanium post that fuses with the jawbone and a natural-looking implant restoration, such as a dental crown, bridge, or full-arch denture. Implants are known for their long-term benefits and the stable support they bring to replacement teeth. Like dental implants, dentures can also replace anywhere from a few missing teeth to a whole arch, with the difference being that dentures are removable. Partial dentures are used when there are teeth still present in an arch, while full dentures help patients overcome the total loss of upper or lower teeth.

REPLACE YOUR MISSING TEETH TO GAIN A WHOLE AND COMFORTABLE SMILE

Filling in lost teeth, no matter the reason for your tooth loss, is necessary for the look of your smile, oral health, and general well-being. No matter how long you have been missing teeth, or even if you are facing a dental extraction, the team at Parker West Dental Associates is pleased to offer effective options to help you overcome tooth loss. Take your first step toward replacing missing teeth and meet with our team to explore the solutions right for your smile, health, and lifestyle. To learn more about affordable dentures, implants, and bridges, get in touch with our friendly team in Plano, TX today and schedule your treatment consultation. We can help you deal with tooth loss and experience a comfortable, complete, and attractive smile once again.