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The Consequences of Not Replacing a Missing Tooth

Posted on 4/25/2022 by Office of Dr. James A. Krippaehne

A number of factors can cause tooth loss, such as wear, malignancy, accidents, and gum disease. A missing tooth can have a significant impact on your life irrespective of the reason for its absence. Along with the general concern that missing teeth make you look older, there are several serious difficulties and hazards involved if not replaced.

Risks of Not Replacing

Among the most significant risks associated with not replacing a lost tooth is bone loss, also known as bone resorption. A tooth's roots are no longer embedded in the jawbone when it is extracted, resulting in bone loss. Jawbone health will slowly deteriorate over time. Bone resorption does not only affect those missing teeth. This condition may also cause you to lose nearby teeth, thereby affecting your facial appearance. The shape of your face and your lips may become asymmetrical and depressed if you do not replace your missing teeth. Not only does not replacing a missing tooth damage your appearance, but it poses a significant risk of limiting the foods you are able to consume. Certain meals can become difficult to bite into and chew when you do not have a tooth or teeth. To compensate for the missing tooth or teeth, you will most likely overuse other teeth, and therefore you will refrain from biting and eating near it. When a gap from a missing tooth is visible when you eat, smile, or speak in public, you may begin avoiding smiling, eating, and conversing in public. Consequently, your social life, your career, and your earnings may be adversely affected. When you lose your tooth, you may also develop gum disease and a bad breath.

Your Replacement Options

Now that you know about some of the possible problems and costs of not replacing a lost tooth, you might be interested in knowing what replacement options are available. There are various options for replacing teeth, including dental implants or bridges, and dentures.

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Dr. James Krippaehne

West End Dental
833 SW 11th Ave Suite 300
Portland, OR 97205

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Dental Blog | Portland OR | West End Dental
West End Dental, 833 SW 11th Ave, Suite 300 Portland, OR 97205 - (503) 446-2957 - west-end-dental.com - 9/29/2024 - Key Phrases: dentist Downtown Portland -