Each tooth in your mouth plays an important role in your overall dental health. The loss of a back tooth can hinder your ability to chew, but that missing tooth’s absence can cause even more significant problems.
Here are the concerns associated with a missing tooth: Such a scenario enables the other teeth to shift out of place. So, those who mistakenly believe a missing back tooth won’t affect their smile may be surprised over time.
Another major concern associated with a missing tooth is bone loss. The bone structure that lies beneath the gums holds your teeth in place. Once a tooth is gone, the bone that was supporting that particular tooth begins to wear away, because bone needs stimulation in order to maintain its form and density. But without a tooth in that area, the bone begins to break down.
This breaking down of bone can cause the teeth surrounding the gap to move inward toward the empty space. Therefore, one missing tooth can result in several misaligned teeth.
If you have multiple teeth that are missing, the bone loss can end up being even more significant. This condition can lead to an actual alteration of the facial structure and a noticeable change in physical appearance.
Obviously, the best tooth is a healthy, natural tooth, so it behooves us all to brush our teeth twice a day, floss once daily, eat a balanced diet and attend regular dental exams and cleanings. But if you should find yourself in a situation where you have one or more missing teeth, Dr. Feldman and his staff encourage you to explore the option of dental implants, because implants are the treatment that comes closest to imitating the function and stability of your natural teeth.
Dr. Feldman is proud to carry on a legacy of more than 100 years of family tradition in his excellent dental services. So, if you’d like to learn more about how implant dentistry can restore and preserve your smile, call us at 202-362-8412 to schedule an appointment.