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Why You Should Never Ignore Missing Teeth

Moskin Dental Associates Blog Why You Should Never Ignore Missing Teeth
Why You Should Never Ignore Missing Teeth

Most people have 32 adult teeth. That number often reduces to 28 when wisdom teeth are pulled, yet the national average for people aged 20 to 64 is 25.5 teeth. Tooth loss is a common issue. 

While it may seem easy to adjust to fewer teeth because of damage, decay, or other reasons, missing teeth can start a downward cascade of effects on oral health. At Moskin Dental Associates, our team helps you keep tooth loss to a minimum, though if the worst should happen, we’re here for you with restorations like bridges, crowns, and implants. 

Here’s why you should never ignore missing teeth. The reasons may extend further than you can imagine. 

Cosmetic issues

The teeth closest to the front of your mouth create the most obvious cause for concern: an unsightly gap in your smile. Losing highly visible front teeth can be a major motivator behind tooth restoration.

However, gaps from missing molars can also significantly affect your appearance, even though they may not be a visible part of your smile. Without the structural support these teeth offer, your cheeks can sag prematurely, affecting the contours of your face. Losing multiple adjacent teeth could produce a collapsed appearance. 

Missing teeth contribute to bone loss in the jaws, another source of changing facial features. An altered appearance can reduce self-confidence and the desire to participate in social or work activities.    

Health consequences

Missing teeth can add up to more than just cosmetic consequences. You can develop health issues such as:

Teeth also support their adjacent partners. Surrounding teeth may begin to move toward gaps,  causing poor bite and tooth alignment.

Oral health conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and inflammation can contribute to other serious health conditions, including:

Diabetes and other medical conditions that suppress your immune system also increase your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health issues linked to missing teeth, creating a cumulative spiral of negative health effects.

Dental implants

Dental implants are now the gold standard of care for missing teeth. Because of their natural appearance and feel, they are the next best thing to a natural tooth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, which sit on top of your gums, the post portion of an implant replaces your natural tooth root.

Once topped with a crown that closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth, a dental implant can:

Implants are durable and easy to maintain. Brush and floss as you usually do while keeping your six-month schedule of dental office visits. 

Contact Moskin Dental Associates when you need care to prevent or replace lost teeth. Call our office at 773-432-4605 to make an appointment with Dr. Kimberly Chan and her team today.