Missing teeth are certainly a cosmetic concern. However, while the visual impact of gaps in your smile may be the most obvious consequence, the implications of tooth loss go beyond aesthetics.
Dr. David Blaustein offers many solutions for replacing missing teeth here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in New York City. Whether you’re interested in a bridge, dentures, or a dental implant, our team provides everything needed to restore your smile.
In the meantime, here’s why addressing missing teeth goes beyond just improving your appearance.
Missing teeth can contribute to:
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth might shift to fill the gap. This movement can lead to misalignment, cause bite problems, and make oral hygiene more challenging.
Your jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain density and strength. A lack of stimulation may lead to jawbone loss and contribute to a sunken facial appearance.
A missing tooth leaves space in the gum tissue where bacteria can thrive. That increases the risk of gum disease. Untreated, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of your body.
Teeth are essential for breaking down food for digestion. Missing teeth can hinder your ability to chew properly and lead to digestive issues and malnutrition (in severe cases).
Your teeth play a vital role in forming certain sounds and words. Missing teeth can lead to speech difficulties and affect your communication. You might struggle to make “th” and “sh” sounds, which can impact your self-esteem.
Beyond the physical consequences, missing teeth can take a toll on your emotional well-being.
The visible gaps in your smile and speech difficulties can erode your self-confidence and self-esteem. That can impact your social interactions at home and at work.
People with missing teeth may withdraw from social activities and avoid smiling or speaking in public due to embarrassment. That’s especially true if you’re missing a front tooth.
Failing to replace missing teeth can lead to more extensive dental issues in the long run.
You may need complex and costly dental procedures 一 such as bone grafts to address atrophy or orthodontic treatment to correct teeth that have shifted out of place 一 if you don’t address the issue promptly.
As an expert in cosmetic and implant dentistry, Dr. Blaustein offers a variety of options to replace one 一 or all 一 of your teeth. Treatments include:
Missing teeth have significant implications for oral health, overall function, and emotional well-being. If you have missing teeth, call our Manhattan office at 917-200-0219 to learn which restoration option might be right for you. You can also request your appointment online.
