It is estimated that nearly 178 million people in the US are missing at least one tooth. While a missing tooth can be viewed by many as just a cosmetic issue, there is actually a lot more at stake than an incomplete smile.
Top Causes of Tooth Loss
- Physical accident (sports/falling)
- Poor oral health / decay
- Tobacco / drug use
- Gum disease
- Age
When you lose a tooth, it is important to talk to your dentist immediately about replacing a lost tooth. The early the tooth is replaced, the less chance for larger and more long-term issues.
The main factors to consider are: Strength, Health, and Quality of Life.
- Strength – When we use our teeth to bite and chew, we actually strengthen the jaw bone as well. A missing tooth can begin to weaken the bone. By replacing a missing tooth, we are helping that bone stay strong.
- Health – Missing teeth can alter a person’s overall health. The foods that are most important to our overall health, such as nuts, vegetables, and meats, are all very hard to chew when missing teeth.
- Quality of Life – Many people missing a tooth or teeth become more self-conscious and can go out of their way to avoid situations that could be embarrassing such as eating a meal. A missing tooth is not a good enough reason to miss out.
Options to Fix Your Smile
Luckily, there are many ways to replace a tooth and help your overall health. Dental implants, A Bridge, Partials & Dentures are all amazing options.
- Dental Implants – Best option. Using a metal implant that is fused to the jawbone, it works well to replace a tooth naturally.
- Bridge – this method uses the neighboring teeth to hold a replacement tooth in place between them. This method is often the most natural looking option.
- Partials & Dentures – when more than just one tooth is being replaced, partials and dentures are helpful. A partial replaces just a few teeth while dentures replace all teeth.