Living without teeth has a variety of ramifications, such as difficulty eating and interacting with others, as well as bone loss and other problems. This is why it’s crucial to have your teeth checked and treated regularly by your trusted dentist. Read on to discover the long-term effects of tooth loss on your life.
Living with Eating Difficulties
While a single missing tooth may make eating more difficult, you can adapt with a few simple dietary changes. Eating gets more difficult when many teeth are missing. Certain meals may be tough to consume if you are missing teeth. You may have difficulties eating if you have lost teeth due to decay. It may be tough to eat properly if you don’t have any teeth. Missing teeth can have an adverse effect on both your food satisfaction and your health.
Lack of Drive to Socially Engage
Living without teeth might lead to social isolation. You can be self-conscious about your teeth and avoid smiling or laughing. You may avoid social engagements and conversation if you have severe tooth loss. Living with missing teeth can have a negative impact on your quality of life as well as your interpersonal interactions.
Painful Bone Loss
Bone loss occurs as a result of living without teeth. Teeth are held in place in the jawbone by roots. The root of a tooth is removed when it is extracted. This could eventually lead to jawbone degeneration. If left untreated, decay can spread to the roots of neighboring teeth, leading to further tooth loss. Significant bone loss may preclude you from being considered for dental implants.
The Risks of Not Replacing a Missing Tooth
Infection
Tooth loss, unfortunately, increases your chances of having gum disease and bacterial infections. A variety of factors can boost bacterial activity in the aftermath of tooth loss, leading to further gum degeneration and eventual tooth loss.
Misaligned Teeth
Your teeth are always in contact with the teeth on either side. As a result, to stay within the sensitive gum tissue, all of your teeth rely on the support of surrounding teeth. When a tooth or teeth are lost, the teeth on each side of the gap may move inward.
Waiting too long to replace a missing tooth may cause neighboring teeth to migrate, resulting in crowding. Teeth developing into a gap caused by a missing tooth can put pressure on the teeth and gums and produce confined areas between the teeth and gums. This merely makes brushing more difficult and encourages the growth of bacteria.
Degeneration of the Gums and Jawbone
Gums and jaw bones act as anchors for tooth roots. You might be unaware that your teeth have an impact on your gums and jawbones. Dental roots in these tissues aid in healing.
The gums and jawbones may resorb if not stimulated. This not only hastens tooth loss but also has a substantial impact on face architecture. When the top jawbone is missing, the face collapses. The chin recedes when the lower jawbone deteriorates.
Dentures and other over-the-gum prostheses can aid in the prevention of some gum tissue loss. Unfortunately, they have little effect on stimulating the jawbone. Dental implants or implant-supported bridges should be considered instead. By affixing directly to the jawbone, implants prevent bone loss.
The Solutions
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement treatment that restores function, improves appearance, and prevents bone loss.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can improve both look and function while limiting the displacement of existing teeth.
Dentures
If you are missing most or all of your teeth, dentures are an alternative. Dentures are the greatest option for people who have lost a lot of teeth.
Conclusion
Living with missing teeth can have an adverse effect on your life as well as your smile. Fortunately, you do not have to live with missing teeth because treatment options and procedures are finally accessible to you. As you take care of your teeth, know that you are also taking care of your health, your body, and your mind.
Are you looking for same-day dentures in VA? Liberia Dental Care is here to give you your healthiest set of teeth yet. With us, you’re in great hands. Give us a call today to learn more!
