Losing A Tooth IS a Big Deal
It might seem like no big deal to lose a tooth in the back of the mouth. It’s somewhere not visible when smiling or talking necessarily and it seems like a pain to go through getting it replaced, not to mention having to pay for it if you can’t even see it. Have these thoughts gone through your head before? You may be living with a missing tooth or teeth right now and not know the true consequences. Our goal is to educate our patients so they can have the happiest and healthiest smile of their lives. So, why does a missing tooth you can’t even see matter? Because it can actually cause you to age faster!! I repeat, not replacing a tooth can advance the aging process of the face. Let’s look at how:
Tooth Loss Leads to Jaw Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, the root where that tooth was firmly in place is now vacant. There is nothing to stimulate the jaw bone to say hey, keep this spot open for my tooth. Instead, the jaw bone gets the message that this gap is here, potentially capturing food particles and germs. The root stops stimulating the jaw bone and the jaw bone actually begins to deteriorate and the nearby teeth begin to shift to close the gap. The total loss of jaw bone can be in the range of 25% in width in the first year, and 4mm loss in height for the coming years. This results in the lower face sinking and changing shape, leading to premature aging. Lips begin to thin and the chin can begin to look pronounced, making it hard to recognize the once youthful face in the mirror. But, there is hope!
Replace The Tooth RIGHT Away
So, what can you do? The first thing you can do is replace a lost tooth as soon as you possibly can. If it’s been a long time, and you’re already experiencing some signs of premature aging, you may be a candidate for dental implants. These implants are titanium and are placed in the root of the tooth, stimulating the jaw bone as a natural tooth would. It’s the only tooth replacement option that provides the jaw bone with the stimulation needed to redevelop or continue to develop over time. Not to mention, implants are usually the most comfortable and natural-feeling and looking way to replace a lost tooth.
If you’ve been putting off replacing a lost tooth or teeth, please don’t wait any longer. Call our office today and let’s schedule you a consult appointment with Dr. Davey to see how we can help you maintain your jaw health and keep your smile full!
