Teeth play a critical role in our daily lives, not just for chewing and speaking, but also for our overall health and appearance. Losing a tooth can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential consequences of not replacing missing teeth.
Jawbone Loss
Teeth stimulate the jawbone and keep it strong and healthy. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it can begin to deteriorate, a process known as resorption. Over time, this can weaken the jawbone and make it difficult to replace missing teeth with dental implants or other restorative options. Dental Implants Melbourne can prevent bone loss unlike dentures.
Dental Decay
When teeth are missing, it can be challenging to clean the surrounding teeth and gums effectively. This can lead to a build-up of plaque and bacteria, which can cause decay and gum disease.
Shifting Teeth
When there is a gap in the teeth, the surrounding teeth can shift and move into the space, causing misalignment and crooked teeth. This can lead to bite problems, difficulty in chewing, and speech problems.
Gum Disease
The gap created by a missing tooth can also trap food particles, making it difficult to clean the area properly. This can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems.
TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. When teeth are missing, it can cause changes in the bite, leading to stress on the TMJ. Over time, this can lead to TMJ disorder, causing pain and discomfort in he jaw, neck, and head.
Facial Sagging
Teeth help support the cheeks and lips, and when they are missing, the face can sag, making a person appear older than their age. This can cause a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Missing teeth can impact your self-esteem and confidence, affecting your personal and professional life. This can cause social isolation and limit your ability to perform everyday activities, such as smiling, talking, and eating.
While there are several teeth replacement options, dental implants are standard option as they offer a range of benefits over other options.
Here are some reasons why dental implants are a great option:
Long-Term Solution: dental implants Melbourne prices are affordable, and a long-term solution to missing teeth. With proper care and maintenance, they can last a lifetime. This is in contrast to other options, such as dentures, which may need to be replaced every few years.
Stability and Functionality: dental implants Melbourne prices are cost-effective and are anchored securely into the jawbone, providing stability and support for the replacement teeth. This allows for better chewing and speaking abilities, and it also helps to maintain the structure of the jawbone.
Aesthetics: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. They are custom-designed to match the colour, size, and shape of the surrounding teeth, resulting in a natural-looking smile. This can boost your self-confidence and enhance your overall appearance.
Not replacing missing teeth can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health and well-being. It is essential to seek the advice of a dental professional to discuss options for tooth replacement, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures. With proper care and maintenance, these restorative options can help restore a person’s smile, oral health, and confidence. For more details on dental implants Melbourne prices, please speak to your dentist.