How Does Tooth Loss Impact My Oral Health?

livonia tooth loss

A number of factors, as we will discuss, could lead to the loss of one or more teeth. But what happens to your smile once one or more of your natural teeth become lost? In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist will discuss the potential impacts of even minor tooth loss, and how we help with secure and effective implant dentistry.

Causes of Missing Teeth

How do we lose natural teeth anyway? There are a number of factors, such as an accident or injury that damages them so severely that they become knocked out or too broken to be repaired with a crown. A cavity or infection could also cause them to become lost as well. However, the most common cause is periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease that destroys the tissues connecting your teeth and gums. Over time, the teeth loosen and fall out. Unless managed with routine care, the disease could compromise dental implants!

Long-Term Impacts on Oral Health

When you lose a tooth, this means a gap appears in your smile. The surrounding teeth could soon drift from position, a complication that causes dental misalignment and a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Multiple missing teeth could strain the jaw joints and upset your bite’s balance, which means a higher likelihood of TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding). As tooth loss worsens, then you could have trouble eating solid foods, depriving yourself of your favorite meals and essential nutrients too. For others, the breakdown of the bone tissue around the missing teeth occurs as the body suspends the flow of calcium and phosphorus to them, which could mean an aged appearance too.

Implant Solutions

Now that you know the causes of tooth loss, and what happens to your oral health and facial structure following the loss of multiple teeth, what can be done? Our team knows how to use implant dentistry to replace a single tooth, or to secure a full set of dentures. We can help manage your periodontal disease to make you a candidate for implant placement, even if you’ve lost jawbone mass and density. If you have any questions about how we address missing teeth, or about the benefits of dental implants, then contact our team today. We want to help you enjoy a full smile, one that makes you feel proud and confident!

Do You Need Implant Dentistry?

We know how tooth loss could harm the beauty, health, and function of your smile, which is why we offer a durable and dependable solution. To learn more about treating missing teeth, then call James Stewart, DDS, dental implant office in Livonia, MI, at (734) 425-4400. We also serve the residents of Farmington, Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, and all surrounding communities.