Should You Replace That Missing Tooth?
Dealing with tooth loss can be challenging. Even if it has not happened to you, you can probably imagine the emotions a person might feel. No matter if the tooth is lost due to decay, injury, trauma, or a medical condition, it can be tough to decide if it should be replaced. We are here to tell you that you should always replace a missing tooth. The only teeth that are not replaced are wisdom teeth and teeth that have been extracted for orthodontic purposes. We want to share some more information about the importance of replacing missing teeth and the impact it can have on your oral health. Read on to learn more.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
We know that it can be an emotional time when you lose a tooth. We are here to help you work through your feelings. Patients who lose a tooth in the front of the mouth are always eager to move on to the next step and replace their teeth as soon as possible. When the tooth is in the back of the mouth, some patients question whether the tooth needs to be replaced at all. We want all of our patients to know that it doesn’t matter where your tooth is located; every missing tooth should be replaced. Although each tooth is an individual in your mouth, all your teeth work together as one unit. When even one tooth is missing, it can affect the way the surrounding teeth function.
Reasons to Replace Missing Teeth
There are many reasons to replace missing teeth, but the most important are:
- To prevent surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- To eliminate the possibility of the jawbone deteriorating
- To ensure that you are properly chewing your food
- To eliminate the possibility of developing a lisp or speech impediment
If you are in Meridian, ID or the surrounding area and in need of a tooth replacement, we are happy to discuss the variety of tooth replacement options we offer. We will discuss your lifestyle and budget and find a solution that will leave you beautiful and lasting results. Be sure to call our office to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!