Are you or someone you know missing teeth? If so, you should do what you can to replace them sooner rather than later. Why? Tooth loss can have a severe negative impact on your oral health. And the longer you wait, the more extensive the effects may become. Fortunately, the right smile makeover solutions can help you overcome the effects of missing teeth. 

Need help choosing a missing teeth solution that’s right for you? Talk to the dental professionals at NewStart Denture + Implant Partners. With our guidance, you can pick a replacement option that helps you end the suffering caused by missing teeth.

Contact us today at 919.822.9154 for a detailed consultation and tooth replacement appointment.

What’s the Impact of Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth can diminish the appearance of your smile. They can also cause underlying issues that compromise the function and structure of your teeth. Here’s what to know about the impact of missing teeth:

Missing Teeth and Ability to Chew

Chewing is one of your most essential oral functions. You rely on it to break food down into small pieces that are easier to digest. In addition, chewing stimulates saliva production and helps you get as much nutrition as possible from your food. You also need it to wash away bacteria and food debris that could harm oral health.

Missing teeth can significantly disrupt your ability to chew. That’s especially true if you have 20 or fewer teeth remaining. This level of tooth loss can lead to:

• Loss of oral function
• Dietary problems
• Physical pain and disability
• Emotional pain and disability

The older you are, the higher your chances of experiencing these issues.

Bone Loss and Other Issues

Any discussion of missing teeth and oral health must cover the issue of bone loss. The teeth in your mouth help keep the bone they’re anchored into in good condition. When you lose a tooth, this positive impact is lost. As a result, the affected bone tissue can start gradually disappearing. You can lose as much as 25% of your bone mass annually. 

As time passes, the effects of oral bone loss can grow worse and worse. Not only can the teeth surrounding the affected area start to shift out of position, but they may eventually become loose and fall out. 

There are also a range of additional issues associated with missing teeth. For example, you may find it harder to swallow effectively. In addition, your jaw muscles may grow unusually weak. Moreover, tooth loss increases your exposure to cavities and other oral health issues.

There is also a psychological side to missing teeth and oral health. Many affected people feel less attractive. In turn, this can lead to a loss of self-esteem. You may also become more socially isolated.

Your Available Missing Teeth Solutions

Given all of these facts, there’s a good chance you’ll ask: How can I replace missing teeth? There are three main options available:

• Tooth implants
• Dental bridges
• Removable dentures

Tooth implants are anchored directly into your jaw. They provide the most complete protection against the adverse effects of missing teeth. Dental bridges sit on your gums and help you keep proper spacing between your teeth. Dentures come in two primary forms. Partials replace some of your lower or upper teeth. Full dentures replace all of your upper or lower teeth. 

Contact NewStart Today for More on Missing Teeth and Oral Health

Tooth loss can damage your oral health in multiple ways. It can also harm your nutritional and emotional health. How can you replace missing teeth and avoid these problems? You have several options, including implants, bridges, and dentures.

Want to find out more about your tooth replacement options? NewStart Denture + Implant Partners are standing by to help. With our support, you can choose a solution that works for you. We feature real solutions for real budgets. Just call us today at 919.822.9154 or contact us online.