Taking care of your smile is a lifelong process. Believe it or not, however, this process requires a bit more than most patients have consistently put in. Indeed, there are countless factors out there that pose a significant threat to your oral health, and as such, the least we can do is provide a thorough preventive routine that addresses many of these aspects. Even still, it only takes coming up short once in your care routine for oral bacteria to infiltrate and set up camp. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS prosthodontist discusses what happens when you lose a permanent tooth, and why you must seek a replacement immediately.
Increased Risk of Infection
It goes without saying that one of the biggest concerns you face when caring for your grin is the onset of infection, tooth decay, and more. Indeed, tooth decay and gum disease are among the most common oral health threats you will face, but keep in mind that they are far from the only factors to worry about. As a matter of fact, practices such as eating, chewing, biting, and even the level of preventive care you provide your smile influence its health. That means that in order to keep your grin healthy, you must attend your regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings.
Sometimes, however, an infection can compromise a structure so severely that the only viable option is to have the tooth removed. Though this is necessary, keep in mind that leaving the gap in your smile without a replacement will only invite more bacteria in, increasing your chances of infection. To learn more about this process, reach out to our team today.
Jaw Bone Degradation
Another complication you will face if you do not replace a lost tooth is jaw bone degradation. You see, your tooth roots are embedded in the jaw, which provides structural stability and allows your teeth to absorb the pressure of your bite. In a symbiotic manner, the tooth roots stimulate the jawbone and allow it to remain strong.
When a tooth is missing, however, there is nothing to stimulate the bone. As such, the bone will gradually degrade over time, and by the time you decide to seek a dental implant treatment, there might not be enough structure left to support it.
The Impact on Function
Finally, a single missing tooth can actually impede your ability to perform daily functions. This includes biting, chewing, eating, and even enunciation! Because your teeth evenly distribute the pressure of your bite, a missing structure means your bite must readjust to accommodate it. This inevitably leads to strain and tension.
Learn More Today
Implants serve an important function, as the biocompatible post acts as an artificial root that reestablishes your oral function. To learn more about this process, contact Dr. Stuart Dexter, Prosthodontist in Prairie Village, KS by calling 913-362-8200 and schedule your appointment today.