Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth
Do you have a missing tooth and are wondering if you should replace it? Patients are often eager to replace a front tooth as soon as possible but don’t have the same sense of urgency when replacing a back tooth. It is equally as important to replace a front tooth as it is to replace a back tooth. The only teeth that don’t need to be replaced are wisdom teeth and teeth that are removed for orthodontic purposes.
Why Replace a Missing Tooth?
There are a number of reasons why you may be missing a tooth, such as frequent decay, experiencing trauma to the mouth, or even overcoming a medical condition. No matter the reason for the loss, it is extremely important to follow our directions and replace the tooth as soon as possible. We know that it can affect your self-esteem and lead to changes in the way you smile and talk to others. While appearance and having a beautiful smile are important, there are many other reasons why it is important to replace missing teeth. We want to explain two of the most important ones:
Overall Function of the Teeth
Although they are individuals in the mouth, your teeth work together as one solid unit. When even one tooth is missing, it can negatively affect the way the other teeth in the mouth function. For example, if you hurt your knee or your leg, you have to adjust the way you do everyday activities such as walking, running, and driving. It might be manageable on a short-term basis, but over time, it can become strenuous and lead to additional problems in your body. The same is true for your teeth. When you are missing a tooth for a short time, you will not notice any significant problems with your oral health, but the problems can become significant over a longer period of time.
Teeth Shifting Out Of Place
Teeth are tricky, and they love to move into any available space they can find. This is one of the reasons orthodontists recommend wearing a retainer after braces, because the teeth can easily move out of their new placement. When a tooth is missing, the nearby teeth will begin to move out of place, and this can lead to not only spacing issues but crowding and crooked teeth as well.
To avoid these issues, we suggest replacing your missing tooth or teeth as soon as possible. To learn more about the tooth replacement options we recommend, be sure to call our office located in Bozeman, MT to schedule an appointment. We hope to see you soon!