Could you imagine having to give up your favorite foods because you physically can’t eat them anymore? If you are missing one or more teeth, something as simple as biting into a juicy apple or munching on potato chips can seem nearly impossible.
Not only that, tooth loss can prevent you from enjoying your life. Imagine feeling insecure every time you had to interact with another person or attend a social gathering. Missing teeth can lead to some problems that impact your health and well-being. You might be quick to think that losing a tooth at the back of your mouth isn’t a big deal, but the reality is there are some severe consequences you need to consider.
Missing Teeth Problems
Tooth loss is often the result of trauma (accidents or sports-related injury), tooth decay, poor nutrition or periodontal disease. Proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings at your dental clinic in Edmonton, can prevent the issues listed above.
Although tooth loss may sound more like a cosmetic problem, it can cause both physical and psychological implications. Let’s look at some of these implications in more detail down below:
- Chewing difficulties: your teeth are designed to chew, crush and grind the foods you eat. So what happens when the teeth are missing? Chewing can become painful and difficult. This can prevent you from receiving proper nutrition as you may begin eating less or having to alter your food choices.
- Shifting teeth: when a tooth falls out or is extracted, it creates excess space in the mouth. This can cause adjacent teeth to shift and crowd each other. You may also notice gaps forming between your teeth, which is referred to as diastema. This can increase your chances of developing long-term oral health problems, such as severe bite misalignment. Furthermore, when the teeth begin to overlap, it can make brushing and flossing difficult. As a result, you may develop poor oral hygiene and tooth decay, which puts you at higher risk for tooth loss.
- Speech issues: it isn’t uncommon for patients with missing teeth to develop speech disorders. This can be embarrassing and can decrease your self-confidence.
- Bone loss: atrophy is the weakening and decrease of tissue which changes your facial structure. If you have missing teeth, it can result in bone loss in the jaw or face. You may also notice your face beginning to age or look sunken in.
- Mental health problems: according to studies, there is a link between tooth loss and depression and anxiety.
- Loss of confidence: missing teeth can cause emotional problems for patients. Nearly a quarter of people avoid smiling because they are embarrassed by their missing teeth.
- Missed job opportunities: studies also suggest that a percentage of people with missing teeth feel they are at a disadvantage when it comes to job opportunities.
Solutions for Missing Teeth Problems
If you are faced with the problem of missing teeth, you don’t have to struggle in silence. The first step is to visit your dentist in Edmonton to find the right solution. The following are some common solutions for missing teeth:
- Dental implants: missing one or all of your teeth? Dental implants in Edmonton are the ideal solution to replace missing teeth. This dental restoration looks, feels and functions like natural teeth.
- Bridges: if you are missing only one or a few teeth, you may benefit from dental bridges in Edmonton. If you have healthy surrounding teeth, they can support your dental bridge.
- Dentures: this is typically a last resort option for patients who don’t qualify for dental implants. This is because dentures in Edmonton are often uncomfortable and can cause bone loss and early aging.
Should I Visit a Dentist Near Me for Tooth Replacement Options?
If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry in Edmonton, visit your dentist. He or she can help you figure out the best solution for your missing teeth problems.
