There are many reasons why someone might be missing teeth, and it’s not always due to poor oral health. What some people with missing teeth may not realize is why it’s so important to replace them and the effects it has on their oral health.
Dr. V. Lynn Morgan and her dental team in Severna Park, MD offer restorative dentistry treatments to patients looking to restore their smile and protect their oral health.
Consequences of Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect jaw bone health, increase your risk of gum disease, and make the remaining teeth less stable. The biggest risk is jaw bone loss, which risks the long-term health of your smile.
When teeth are missing from their sockets, the jaw bone is no longer stimulated in that area and begins receding. When this happens, the surrounding teeth become less stable and may become loose, crooked, or cause jaw alignment issues.
A misaligned jaw or loose or crooked teeth can increase your risk for gum disease. Crooked teeth are inherently more difficult to clean, because certain areas of the teeth are covered or less accessible. Loose teeth may allow bacteria to settle in to small pockets in the gums which may eventually cause gum disease. These teeth can also become overcrowded as the jawbone continues to deteriorate, posing a risk of tooth fracture or tooth decay.
How to Replace Missing Teeth
There are several different treatments available to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are the gold standard of tooth replacement, because they take the place of the missing tooth in the jaw bone and keep the bone intact.
Dentures and dental bridges are another option, but they lack the permanence of dental implants. Bridges stay in the mouth but will eventually need replacement, but they are a good option for someone with advanced jaw bone loss. Removable dentures require daily maintenance and upkeep.
If you have multiple dental concerns, you might consider a smile makeover, which is a customizable combination of different cosmetic and restorative treatments to give you the results you’re looking for.
Missing Teeth Treatment in Severna Park, MD
Dr. Morgan is committed to helping you achieve a functional, healthy, and beautiful smile. Schedule a consultation with our team online today or give us a call at (410) 415-9015 to get the smile of your dreams.