A missing tooth is a nightmare for anyone. It limits you from enjoying the little things in life, like munching on delicious food such as a crunchy apple or a juicy steak, showing off your biggest smile, etc. Having a missing tooth is not only embarrassing, it’s also not normal in adulthood. Brace yourselves for this helpful yet surprising information about missing teeth problems.

The Complications Arising From Missing Teeth 

Missing teeth is more than just a flaw that you have to live with. When completely ignored, It could trigger more complications. If you have missing teeth, it’s time for you to visit an oral care provider before it develops into severe problems, such as:  

Shifting Teeth 

When there’s a void between your teeth, there’s a tendency for the other molars to shift. The teeth will crowd, overlap each other, or form a gap. Such cases can develop into painful bite misalignments or more serious problems. It will also be harder to treat tooth decay when the teeth cross or collide. 

Difficulty Chewing 

Teeth play a big role in chewing food. Just imagine what it would be like to crave for something you can’t consume just because of your missing teeth. Without being able to chew properly, a person eats less, which can lead to poor nutrition or a decreased appetite. 

Bone Loss

Missing teeth can be a cause of bone loss around the face and jaw, often leading to atrophy. Atrophy is a health condition that weakens and decreases the tissues, causing changes in facial structure. Bone loss can shrink the face and make a person look older, which is quite an escalated consequence of simply missing a tooth. 

Speech Problems

As much as anyone hates physical damage, the embarrassment of missing teeth can go a long way when it affects your speech too. People communicate all the time, and having speech problems because of missing teeth can surely decrease your self-esteem and confidence in socializing with other individuals. 

Compromised Mental Health

According to a study conducted in 2014, missing teeth can be linked to tendencies of depression and anxiety. It affects your daily grind and slows you down. While this is not always the case for people who suffer from missing teeth, it’s better to prevent such circumstances and treat your condition as early as possible. 

Early Aging 

Your teeth support the skin around your mouth. Skin without support will start to sag and make the gum line look older than normal. This is another physical disadvantage if you continue to ignore your missing teeth problem. 

Missed Job Opportunities

A survey revealed that 28% of people who suffer from missing teeth say that their oral condition affects their ability to find a job. For some companies, appearance matters in the business, especially since employees carry the name and branding of an organization. 

Loss of Confidence 

Missing teeth can trigger a person’s anxiety every time they smile, talk, and socialize. With all the complications a missing tooth could bring, it’s hard for those with missing teeth problems to live and enjoy life normally. Embarrassment can kick in during special occasions, holidays, and gatherings. Early treatment can save you from such hardships and boost your confidence and self-esteem. 

Oral Procedures to Treat Missing Teeth 

If you want to address your missing teeth problems, your dentist can recommend the following procedures and treatments: 

Dentures

It may not be the first option, but dentures are good alternatives to missing teeth. However, denture treatment also has its fair share of cons for patients. They can cause discomfort and for some, aging and atrophy. But if your dentist is confident that this works for you, they may recommend it to eliminate the possibilities of more severe complications. 

Bridges 

One or two missing teeth can be treated with bridges, which is a false tooth applied in the gap and anchored to abutment teeth that surround it. Bridges are a better choice since they rarely cause discomfort to patients. You just have to constantly replace them to maintain their positive effect on your teeth. 

Dental Implants 

A dental implant is a prime solution for missing teeth. It is used to replace a full set of molars or a single tooth in whichever part of the gums. Dental implants are safe and stable as they are made to withstand long periods of time. Plus, they look, function, and feel like real teeth. This treatment is more costly than the other options, yet is the most recommended one. 

Consult Your Dentist

It’s better to consult your dentist when it comes to treating your missing teeth. A specialized dentist can better understand your condition and provide you with the right oral care procedure.