Why Replacing A Missing Tooth Is Always The Right Idea
A missing tooth doesn’t just leave a gap in your smile. It also leaves a gap in your oral health. That’s why, at Bozeman Gentle Dentistry, located in Bozeman, MT, we recommend replacing a missing tooth immediately, whether it’s in the back, where no one can see it, or front and center. The fact is, once a tooth comes out, there’s still potential to damage the remaining teeth unless we replace it in time.
Tooth Loss
Adult tooth loss is quite common. Trauma from a sports injury or an auto accident can damage a tooth beyond repair. Decay or infection can set in, or other circumstances can make tooth extraction the only option. A missing tooth is nothing to be embarrassed about, but it’s important not to let tooth loss threaten your oral health.
Replacing a Missing Tooth Makes Sense
Teeth are tethered to the jaw by ligaments, which means they can move slightly to distribute bite force evenly. This also means that teeth can shift to fill a space left behind after a tooth has been extracted. If one tooth shifts, others will follow, and soon the entire arch of teeth will become misaligned, which alters your bite. If your bite isn’t balanced, your teeth will wear unevenly and become more prone to chipping and cracking.
Additionally, misaligned and damaged teeth make chewing harder and affect your speech. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean and keep clean because food can become trapped in the wider spaces, or floss may not fit between crowded teeth. Gum disease and tooth decay are more likely, as is additional tooth loss.
Fortunately, at Bozeman Gentle Dentistry, we have tooth replacement options, including:
#1 Dental Implants — A dental implant creates a very strong and stable base for a prosthetic tooth, like a crown. It looks, feels, and acts just like a natural tooth. A dental implant will last a lifetime with proper care, making it the only permanent tooth replacement option available.
#2 Dental Bridges — A bridge is cemented in place for strength and stability, using the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors for a prosthetic tooth. The result is durable and natural looking.
No matter which tooth replacement option you choose, our team, located in Bozeman, MT, is ready to guide you every step of the way. If you, a loved one, a friend, or a colleague has one or more missing teeth, call our office. We would be happy to help!
