Should I Replace A Missing Tooth That Can’t Be Seen?
Are you missing one of your back teeth? You might not be in a rush to have it fixed especially since no one can really see that it’s missing. So, no big deal, right? While it may be true that your missing tooth doesn’t really affect your smile visually, it might be a quick assumption to think it won’t cause problems down the road for your oral health and shouldsn’t be restored. The loss of even one tooth can cause problems that may end up costing you more money and recovery time trying to fix the problem when they could have been handled early.
What Happens If I don’t Fix My Missing Tooth?
When you lose a tooth, it should always be dealt with sooner than later. It doesn’t matter where your missing tooth is located, if left untreated, it can cause serious problems that impact your healthy teeth and gums. If you loose a molar to periodontal disease or damage, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be restored. If a lost tooth is left untreated, there are a number of conditions that can develop as a result including:
- Difficulty chewing
- Inability to speak clearly
- Additional tooth loss
- Bone loss that can affect the stability of additional
- Periodontal disease
- Tooth decay
Are There Any Benefits To Replacing A Missing Tooth?
You may not be in a hurry to restore your hidden missing back tooth. However, replacing it is vital to maintaining good overall oral health. When you meet with us here at The Dental and Denture Care Center, Dr. Juan C. Fabrega may suggest dental implants as one method for replacing your missing tooth and restoring your smile. The reason being is that these replacement teeth offer more than other types of prosthetics such as dentures or a dental bridge. They function as well as any of your natural teeth without an extra steps to clean or maintain. On top of that, they are designed to last a lifetime with routine dental hygiene. The replacement tooth provides stimulation to the jawbone, which reduces the risk of any additional bone loss or facial distortion.
Reasons You May Want To Replace A Missing Back Tooth
- You get to eat all your favorite foods with no issues. Having a missing tooth means you are likely unable to eat more dense foods, which may require a change in your diet to having to eats things you may not want. Because your molars are used in the majority of the chewing process, replacing your molars will allow you to properly chew your food and aids in the digestion process.
- Implants help you avoid possible bone loss. When you have a dental implant installed the titanium anchor that holds the tooth in place, mimics the structure of a tooth’s root and stimulates the bone in the jaw. When you bite or chew using the implant, the bone receives the stimulation it needs to maintain its strength.
- Avoid costly orthodontics. May people who lose a tooth, often have to resort to an orthodontist in order to keep their teeth aligned properly. Natural teeth will often shift and try to fill in the gap on their own, which could cause bite issues. When an implant is used, you can be confident the replacement tooth is seated firmly in place preventing any teeth from shifting around.
When you replace your missing back molar, you will quickly realize how important it is to have a fully functional set of teeth in order to maintain a high standard of oral health and an amazing smile.
If You Have A Missing Tooth, Talk To Us About Your Options
While fixing that back missing tooth may not seem important, especialy when you don’t even notice it. However, the long term consequences could be painful, not to mention, expensive. You can avoid additional damage to your teeth and potential periodontal disease by considering implants as a possible treatment. However, they aren’t the only solution for your missing teeth.
If you have questions about what to do about a missing molar, please call The Dental and Denture Care Center at (352) 848-1050 to schedule a consultation or contact us through our website here to ask your questions. Our team of dental experts are here to give you the best smile of your life and we are here to help.
