A missing tooth and the gap it leaves can cause problems for the aesthetics of your smile; however, did you know that there are several ways it also impacts your oral health? Read on to learn five reasons why replacing a missing tooth is essential and how our Palatine, IL, dentist can help you.
#1 Protect Your Bone Health
A missing tooth means a lost root, which leaves your jawbone with nothing to support. When it's not stimulated, your bone begins to dissolve and deteriorate, which can impact neighboring teeth and even change the appearance of your face.
Bone loss starts almost immediately after tooth loss.
#2 Maintain Tooth Alignment
When there's a gap between teeth, surrounding teeth will begin to move and shift. This causes bite misalignment, leading to tooth damage from teeth having to compensate during chewing and even painful jaw joint issues like neck pain and chronic headaches.
#3 Ensure Good Chewing Function
Gaps between teeth can be problematic when you're chewing your food. Each tooth was designed for a specific job in the chewing process. When it has to do the work of another tooth, it can lead to wear or damage, like fractures.
#4 Prevent More Tooth Loss
When you lose one tooth, and your bone begins to deteriorate, without a tooth replacement, your chances of losing another tooth increase significantly.
#5 Restore Smile Aesthetics
Gaps between teeth may keep you from smiling confidently. This can impact your relationships.
Replacing a missing tooth maintains your smile's aesthetics and allows you to interact confidently with other people.
Contact Palatine Complete Dental
If you want to learn more about dental implants in Palatine, IL, for your smile, contact our team at (847) 359-7520. Dr. Unti can complete implant dentistry from start to finish at our dental office, and he's the cosmetic dentist that patients trust with their smiles.