Why You Should Never Ignore a Missing Tooth

Obviously, missing a tooth can mar the look of your smile, but even if you’re missing a tooth in the back that’s not very noticeable, you should consider addressing the problem. Aside from the cosmetic appeal of a full set of teeth, a missing tooth can lead to oral health issues that can be avoided. 

At Rozenberg Dental NYC, Dr. Lana Rozenberg and her staff know that your smile is important to you, but we care about the health of your mouth as well as the beauty of your smile. Whether you lost your tooth due to an extraction, advanced decay, or even trauma, we can help you fill the gap with a dental implant or a bridge. 

Teeth move

The part of your teeth that you can see is not all there is to it. Below your gums, each of your teeth has a root. Your teeth are also supported by your gums and the neighboring teeth. 

When one of your teeth is missing, the surrounding teeth shift and move to fill in the empty space. If you’re missing a bottom tooth, the tooth directly above it can also shift and drop down. 

When your remaining teeth move, your alignment can change, too, and that may cause visible crookedness in your teeth or make chewing difficult. Increased wear and tear can damage your enamel and make decay more likely. Misalignment can also make it easier to fracture your teeth. 

Your gums suffer

Your gums serve as something of a gasket for your teeth, hugging close against them and keeping bacteria out and protecting the roots of your teeth. When you’re missing a tooth, your gums may pull away from the neighboring teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease. 

Your jawbone is at risk

Each time you bite, the roots of your teeth interact with your jawbone. When you lose a tooth, its root no longer stimulates your jawbone and, over time, may lead to bone loss. That loss can even change the structural appearance of your face! 

Missing teeth can also make you look older. Your cheeks become sunken because of a lack of support from your teeth. 

Choosing your replacement

Advanced, modern dentistry offers options when it comes to replacing lost teeth. Dr. Rozenberg can offer advice regarding which approach is likely to work best for you. Bridges or dentures are popular choices, but dental implants are considered the gold standard. 

Dental implants are sometimes described as the next best thing to natural, and they can be used to replace one or multiple teeth. When you have an implant, Dr. Rozenberg implants a titanium rod into your gum, which fuses with your jawbone, creating a prosthetic tooth root. 

The rod is topped with a crown, which is made to look like your natural teeth. The final result is a replacement that maintains the health of your jawbone, keeps the structure of your face the same, and gives you a very realistic appearance. 

If you’re missing one or more teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Rozenberg to discuss your options.