The Risks of NOT Replacing a Missing Tooth

According to the American College of Prosthodontics, tooth loss is a common issue that affects over 178 million people in the United States. At Summit Dental, we understand the many issues that can attribute to a missing tooth. These include tooth decay, injury, and gum disease just to name a few. However, regardless of the reason, the impact on those with missing teeth is often significant. That’s why we’d like to take the time today to provide you with a deeper understanding of the risks you take when you don’t replace a missing tooth.

Increased Chance of Bone Loss

One of the most significant risks of not replacing a missing tooth is bone loss. Bone loss occurs when the roots of a missing tooth are no longer embedded into the jawbone, leaving behind a void. When this happens, the jawbone can slowly deteriorate over time. However, bone loss isn’t the only risk of not replacing a missing tooth. A missing tooth can actually increase the chances of losing neighboring teeth where the tooth was lost. Over time, this can affect your facial appearance as it can gradually change the shape of your mouth, making it appear sunken.  

To make matters worse, a missing tooth can also increase the chances of you developing gum disease where a tooth once existed (or) cause tooth decay in neighboring teeth.

Reduced Ability to Eat Certain Foods or Speak Clearly

In addition to affecting your appearance and oral health, other risks of not replacing a missing tooth include the reduced ability to eat certain foods or speak clearly. Depending on where a tooth is lost, it may become difficult to talk or chew certain foods. Additionally, you may overcompensate by using other teeth, putting more stress on them in the process that can later result in expensive Boise dental bills.

Reduced Self-Esteem

With all the risks listed above, there are additional side effects that come with missing teeth. While you may not be able to see these effects on the outside, you can certainly feel them on the inside as they can have a serious impact on your life.

People with missing teeth often smile less or avoid eating and speaking in public. This not only affects your social life but your relationships and professional life as well. Aside from hiding a missing tooth, gum disease can also cause you to develop chronic bad breath. Depending on your age, personal life and relationship status, the risks of not replacing a missing tooth can really add up if you’re not confident enough to smile, eat or speak in front of other people.

Replacement Options

At Summit Dental, we understand the potential risks of not replacing a missing tooth (or teeth). That’s why we want to make sure you know there are a variety of replacement options to help. Options to consider include dentures, crowns and bridges, and Boise dental implants. Highly recommended Boise dental implants are sturdy, durable and tend to last much longer than any other option.

In addition to these benefits, Boise dental implants can also help preserve your jawbone and prevent bone loss as the titanium post used will eventually fuse to your jawbone over time. Not only do Boise dental implants look and feel like real teeth, they are a low maintenance option that can help restore your confidence as well.

Contact Summit Dental Group

There is no question that a missing tooth (or teeth) can be a stressful situation. However, your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group can help you discover the many replacement options available to fit your budget and lifestyle. We understand the many risks of not replacing a missing tooth and want you to understand why it’s important not to wait to have it fixed. There is no reason your oral health should suffer when we can easily restore your beautiful smile.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at (208) 314-2275 today!