1
Loss of functionality.
Tooth loss can start to affect how you speak and what you can eat. People who are missing one or more teeth often start to slur their words, making it more difficult to communicate. It can also weaken your bite which makes it challenging to eat most of your favorite foods, like steak or even hard fruits.
Dental implants act much like natural tooth roots and support porcelain crowns or a denture piece that help enable functionality that may have been limited before. With dental implants, you won’t have to struggle when you’re simply trying to eat and you can have the confidence to speak to friends and family without holding back.
2
Increased risk of oral infection.
A gap between teeth can act as a “food trap,” making it hard to reach food particles and other debris with your brush and floss.
This can cause people with missing teeth to have an increased risk of infections, such as tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth loss can lead to tissue damage and other dental health problems, raising the costs of treatment over the long-run by requiring more work to keep your well-being on the right track.
Dental implants offer the most comprehensive health benefits out of all restorative options. They will help rebuild your oral health and eliminate future risk for further infection as long as you’re following a proper dental hygiene routine.
3
Weakening of the jawbone.
A natural tooth root helps keep your jaw strong by delivering the force and energy from chewing and speaking to the supporting bone that secures your teeth in place. Just like a muscle, the jaw’s tissue is strained and then repaired, making it stronger.
When you’re missing teeth, this process can’t take place which consequently means your jawbone begins to lose its shape. Your jaw will no longer receive the proper stimulation from your tooth root it needs to function properly, which causes it to deteriorate.
Implants are the only tooth replacement solution that protects your jaw from further bone loss. Since your dental implant will integrate naturally into your jawbone, it will help regenerate lost bone density and ensure your facial structure maintains its shape and appearance.
4
Premature wrinkling.
Since your jaw begins to lose shape when tooth loss occurs, this causes the skin around your jawline to loosen and hang low. Loose facial skin will lead to premature wrinkling, which hides the shape of your jaw and makes you appear much older than you actually are.
By protecting the jaw, dental implants can help prevent this issue and offer a youth-enhancing option for you. For those who’ve already suffered from severe bone loss, Dr. Henninger may recommend one of our supplemental treatments, such as bone grafting, to help strengthen your jaw and reduce the risk of future bone resorption.
5
Reduced self-confidence.
I remember a patient who explained to me that her motivation for her dental implant treatment was her grandson. She said that he was afraid of her because of her missing teeth. It affected how she interacted with him and whether she could at all.
Tooth loss can cause a profound change in our social lives and how we feel when there are people around us. It can impact your love life and your friendships, and can ultimately change how you feel about yourself. We all deserve more confidence and a better life.
6
Increased likelihood of pain.
When you have a missing tooth, this opens up a gap within your smile that can expose the area to unwanted debris and other elements.
Our nerves travel from our teeth, through the sockets, to the rest of our body, and this empty gap can create greater sensitivity and tenderness in the area. Ultimately, this will lead to constant discomfort, irritation, and pain.
Dental implants can help protect these areas by replacing the tooth root and providing support for a natural-looking crown. You won’t have to suffer from the pain caused by tooth loss any longer, plus, this solution will stop any future dental issues from occurring.
7
Anxiety and unhappiness.
Just by smiling authentically, we feel happier. We associate smiling and laughter with positive energy, which has proven to make change a person’s mood if they’re feeling down. It’s also why a fake laugh often turns into a real one without you ever intending it to.
But, how can you be happy if you’re afraid to smile due to tooth loss? It’s no wonder living with missing teeth is associated with a greater risk of anxiety and depression. Here at our North County practice, tooth loss doesn’t need to lead to this.
Dental implants are long-lasting, cost-effective, and look unbelievably natural. They help enhance your appearance and can make you genuinely happy to smile again without hesitation.
Tooth Loss & Your Health FAQs
What causes tooth loss?
The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal (gum) disease. This common yet serious oral health condition occurs when patients neglect to maintain their oral hygiene. Fortunately, this and many other tooth loss-causing problems can be easily prevented by practicing good oral health.
Some other common causes of tooth loss include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco usage
- Poor nutrition
- Cavities
- Dental trauma
- Certain autoimmune diseases
Why do missing teeth need to be replaced?
Missing teeth can lead to several oral health issues, a prominent one being jawbone deterioration. Tooth roots help stimulate healthy jawbone growth. The absence of tooth roots may lead to jawbone deterioration, in which the jawbone degrades and weakens over time, which can lead to other complications.
Tooth loss can harm more than just your oral health and appearance. Missing teeth can also lead to bone loss, premature wrinkling, and other emotional consequences. Dental implants are a great solution to tooth loss that helps reverse the impact caused on both your physical and emotional health.
How does dental health affect overall health?
Excellent oral and dental hygiene can help prevent a variety of health complications. Aside from dental-related health problems such as tooth decay, and gum disease, bad oral health may also increase your risk of serious health problems such as:
- Heart problems
- Strokes
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Preterm labor
Dr. Henninger can diagnose a potential health problem that a primary care doctor may not notice if it closely relates to your dental health. Scheduling routine appointments to our Vista office is crucial for your oral health and wellbeing.
What kind of problems can occur from tooth loss?
Untreated tooth loss can lead to a handful of oral health complications, such as:
- A crooked smile
- Bite problems
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Teeth misalignment
Crooked, misaligned smiles are difficult to clean, leading to poor oral hygiene, which can result in further tooth loss and decay. It’s crucial to seek treatment for a missing tooth as soon as possible. Our dental implant solutions are ideal for getting your oral health back on track.