For a number of adults, tooth loss is a very real phenomenon often brought on from a number of concerns, including decay, infection, and not following up with routine checkups and cleanings. Indeed, multiple concerns arise if you do not tend to an infected or compromised structure, oftentimes leading your dentist to recommend extraction to preserve your oral health. But once that has taken place, keep in mind that your problems aren’t yet over. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist will address the negative effects of leaving a gap in your smile and what our team can do to help.
You May Lose Other Teeth
Arguably the biggest contributor to losing a tooth involves decay, infection, and time without care. Oral bacteria is present in every grin, and the real challenge is to keep them at bay. They tend to thrive in warm, moist environments and can nestle in areas that are hard to clean. If allowed to remain, they will begin to break down the structure of your teeth, causing decay. Oftentimes this process begins with a cavity, requiring only a composite resin filling to address. If you do not attend regular dental visits, however, these bacteria will continue to eat away at the bone and start to infect the inner dental pulp of a structure, requiring more extensive treatment such as a root canal procedure to address. Finally, if the decay has spread even further than this point, your dentist may recommend extraction.
After a structure is gone, however, there are new hurdles that must be surpassed. For instance, just because the diseased structure is removed from the equation does not mean that the infection itself is gone. In fact, the same harmful bacteria that caused it in the first place may still be lingering near the gums of the surrounding teeth, increasing your chances of losing them significantly.
Function Will Not be the Same
In addition to potential for future loss, a missing tooth will significantly impact your oral function. Your bite will become uneven as it attempts to accommodate the missing structure, causing strain and difficulties biting, chewing, or even speaking. What’s more, the portion of jaw that would normally house a root will no longer serve a purpose, causing it to slowly deteriorate past a point that extensive treatment is needed in order to have enough support to hold a dental implant and restoration.
Dealing with Cosmetic Hindrances
While function is one of the bigger concerns, let us not forget the impact a gap will have on your appearance as well. A gap serves as a major inconsistency in a smile, causing a reduction in confidence in addition to functional difficulties. By seeking a dental implant restoration, you will once again be able to enjoy the benefits of a full and complete smile with a natural look.
Speak to Our Team
To learn more information about the importance of restorative dentistry, or to schedule your appointment, contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 today.
