As kids, we were all rewarded in some way or another by the tooth fairy when we lost our teeth; as adults, the loss of teeth offers no rewards. In fact, just the opposite.
If you are reading this, chances are, you have some missing teeth. While that may not seem like such a big deal, missing teeth has the potential to result in many potentially serious dental issues.
If you want to avoid the detriment to your smile’s health and level of functionality, implants are a necessity. The issues that could develop by not replacing missing teeth could result in immensely expensive problems that have the capability of interfering with your day-to-day life.
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Loss of Bone in the Jaw
If you have missing teeth, the jaw bone will suffer loss as time progresses. The teeth aid in the stimulation and the support of this bone. If those teeth are missing, the bone will not receive the stimulation that it requires and may start to atrophy.
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The Remaining Teeth Will Start to Shift
Despite the fact that the teeth are directly attached to the jaw bone, shifting is possible. This occurs at a faster rate if you have missing teeth. When the shifting occurs, spaces start to develop. This can detrimentally impact the bite, over time. If this happens, germs and other types of bacteria may settle in unnatural locations and result in the development of oral infections.
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Irregularities in the Bite
Now that we have mentioned the effects on the bite, let’s continue by pointing out that missing teeth will cause irregularities within the bite. An improper bite is medically termed a “malocclusion”.
If you experience this problem, you will start to experience discomfort. This may come in the form of headaches, pain in the muscles, and tooth sensitivity.
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Problems in Chewing
We depend on our teeth for chewing. If you are missing teeth, you may find it hard to eat. When there are issues in the proper chewing of food, it could cause digestion problems. You may suffer from unwanted weight loss or even issues with acid reflux.
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It May Become Difficult to Speak
Speaking helps us communicate effectively. If you have missing teeth, you may find that you have problems in talking. Your words may become slurred. You may make whistling noises when you talk.
You may even start to spit when you try to talk. Not only are these issues highly embarrassing, they could impact your ability to work in certain capacities.
Dental Implants Are the Answer
If you have missing teeth and want to avoid the issues outlined in this guide, we can help! We are a periodontist in Wichita that specializes in providing services and appliances that will enhance the beauty, appeal, and overall health of your smile.
We here at Implant & Perio Specialists have the knowledge and expertise to deliver the highest quality results. To learn more, you may contact us today by calling: 316-330-4050