If you are missing some or all of your teeth, you realize what a struggle it can be. Unfortunately, millions of people have suffered tooth loss and may not understand the implications of not replacing their teeth. If you live in Urbandale or Johnston, the expert dental team at Northpark Dental would love the opportunity to help you reclaim your life and your oral health. So, why is it important to replace your missing teeth? Let’s find out.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
There are numerous reasons why you should consider replacing your missing teeth, including the following:
Aesthetics
When you have missing teeth, your smile isn’t going to look as good as it could. You might find yourself covering your mouth when you talk or not smiling in pictures. Over time, your face may begin to sag and look sunken. Your self-esteem can be negatively affected, and because your smile says a lot about you, the gaps in your smile can even hurt you professionally.
Short-Term Oral Health Concerns
When you have missing teeth, there are some immediate oral health concerns that you should be aware of, including the following:
- Tooth decay – It can be more difficult to brush and floss your teeth when you have a gap in your smile. This can cause plaque to build up, leading to tooth decay.
- Gum disease – When too much plaque settles around your gums, you risk developing gum disease.
Function
When you have missing teeth, your remaining teeth can’t function as well as if you had a complete set of teeth. You can have issues with biting and chewing, making it challenging to eat your favorite foods. In addition, speaking correctly can be a concern without a complete set of teeth.
Long-Term Implications of Missing Teeth
The long-term implications of missing teeth include the following:
- Loss of jawbone density – Without your teeth stimulating your jawbone, you will lose vital jawbone density.
- Remaining teeth shifting into the gaps – The longer you have gaps in your smile, the greater the chance your other teeth will move into the empty spaces.
- Tooth loss – If your missing teeth lead to tooth decay or gum disease, you could lose the affected teeth as a result.
Tooth Replacement Options from Northpark Dental
Our dental office offers several different tooth replacement options; you can set up a consultation to discuss whether any of the following services fit your needs:
- Dental implants
- Implant-supported dentures
- Dentures
- Partials
Are You Considering Tooth Replacement in Urbandale or Johnston?
If you have missing teeth and want to talk to a dental team member about dental implants or dental bridges, we are ready to take your call! At Northpark Dental, we want to explain all your tooth replacement options and help you with a treatment plan that meets your smile goals. You can reach our dental office by calling (515) 707-8050.