While some dental health concerns can go unnoticed for some time before they become obvious, tooth loss is the kind of problem that’s hard to miss. In fact, because it often occurs due to preventable and treatable conditions (such as gum disease), tooth loss isn’t always a surprise by the time it does occur. However, what may surprise may people is the importance of addressing the loss of a tooth as soon as possible, and the reason dental implants can often provide the best results.
The problem behind it is still a problem
In many instances, the loss of a tooth can be considered one of the worst-case scenarios for some dental health concerns. For instance, in the case of gum disease, the condition is often treated long before it causes enough damage to lead to tooth loss. The same is true for damage or decay to your natural tooth structure, which can become increasingly worse over time, as well. Once a tooth is lost, however, the problem that caused it isn’t necessarily over. For example, if you lost the tooth because of gum disease, then it may be only one of more teeth lost if the condition is allowed to keep getting more severe.
The problems it causes get worse over time
The problems that cause tooth loss can vary from patient to patient. Yet, the consequences of tooth loss are similar in many ways. Your teeth are intricate parts of your oral anatomy, and when you lose one, the rest of them can suffer from having to take up the slack in your bite’s function. Some teeth can shift out of place, others can become damaged under excessive pressure, and in severe cases, you may lose one or more teeth because of it. Also, the loss of your teeth’s roots can cause your jawbone structure to get weaker, which also contributes to a higher risk of future tooth loss.
You can still preserve most of your smile
Addressing your oral health concerns by replacing your lost teeth as soon as possible can help you avoid many of the conditions that could continue threatening it. One of the first steps when you seek treatment to restore your smile is to check for and develop a plan to address any existing concerns, particularly the specific cause of your tooth loss. Then, your dentist can help you design the most lifelike smile restoration, including dental implants to replace your lost teeth roots and better preserve your smile’s foundation.
Address your tooth loss as soon as possible
It can take some time to get used to the fact that you’ve lost a tooth, but you can preserve your healthy, natural smile by addressing it as soon as possible. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at 913-681-5500. We also serve patients who live in Overland Park and all surrounding communities.
