What are the consequences of a missing tooth?

There are several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. For most, the thought of having a missing tooth would seem merely cosmetic, but there is much more involved. Not only does the missing tooth leave a gap or space in your smile, but if you’re missing a few or more teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag (think of the game Greedy Granny).

Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew your food properly and may even affect the way you speak. When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth will slowly shift over time causing changes in your bite. Bite changes can lead to TMJ problems, tooth sensitivity, gum recession, and cracked teeth. The reason this shifting is harmful to the bite is because teeth withstand chewing forces best from an angle that is parallel to their roots. When the tooth leans, the roots also lean, and then the biting force is no longer parallel to the root. Biting forces are naturally heavy in order to chew food. Putting a heavy force onto a tooth at an improper angle is bad.

Finally, teeth may even have emotional consequences; many people feel less confident about their smile when they are missing teeth.

Solutions to replace missing teeth include removable appliances such as dentures and partial bridges. While removable appliances can be more cost effective solutions, surgical dental implants will offer a more comfortable and long lasting outcome. If you have missing teeth, give our Wylie, TX office a call to schedule your complimentary consultation. We’d love the opportunity to partner with you to achieve your best smile.