Tooth loss is often considered the worst-case scenario for a variety of different oral health concerns. Because of this, it’s important to address any oral health concern as soon as possible, before it can lead to significantly higher risks of tooth loss. Yet, the ways in which tooth loss can seriously impact your smile and oral health can be even more significant than you realize, and some of those impacts can take years before their extent becomes noticeable. Today, we examine a few reasons why losing teeth is a serious concern, and why it’s important to prevent it, or address it as soon as possible if it occurs.
There’s no tooth structure left to restore
When a tooth is compromised because of damage to its structure, or a case of progressive tooth decay, then you can often save the tooth before it’s lost by restoring its compromised structure. This reestablishes the tooth’s strength and integrity so that it can once again function the way it was meant to. However, if the tooth is lost, then there will be no structure left to restore. Reestablishing your good oral health and bite function will require replacing the lost tooth with a highly lifelike prosthesis, such as a dental implant and crown.
The loss impacts your bite’s immediate function
Your teeth have several different responsibilities, but their most frequent role is biting and chewing your food so your body can digest it. When a tooth is lost, your bite’s overall ability to do its job can also be impacted. The loss can disrupt the balance in your bite due to the empty space in your dentition, and can cause other teeth to shift, become damaged, or more. Preventing tooth loss helps you avoid these consequences, but if you do experience tooth loss, then replacing the tooth can help you restore your bite’s balance and reduce your risks of subsequent oral health troubles.
The consequences get worse over time
The consequences of losing a tooth, including the ones you don’t notice right away, will continue to get worse the longer it takes to replace the lost tooth. These consequences also begin the moment the tooth is lost, which is why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible if it occurs. For many people, the most effective way to protect their smiles’ long-term health and integrity is to replace the tooth with a custom-designed dental crown that’s supported on a root-like dental implant post.
Learn how to reduce your risks of tooth loss
Losing one or more teeth is a serious concern for your oral health, but you can mitigate that concern by replacing your lost teeth and their roots as soon as possible. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call Santa Rosa Oral Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA, today at 707-545-4625.
