Should I Replace My Missing Teeth? Here’s What Happens If You Don’t!

If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction at McCue Dental Health, or you’re missing one or more teeth due to an oral injury or another oral health issue, you may be wondering if you need to replace your missing teeth. Is it really necessary to replace your missing teeth? The answer is “yes.” And to prove why, we’ll discuss a few of the issues that you might face if you choose not to have your teeth replaced.

1. Your Nearby Teeth Will Shift, Causing Oral Health Issues

One of the biggest problems related to tooth loss is teeth shifting. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth will move toward the gap to try to close it. This can ruin the alignment of your teeth, causing crooked teeth. Teeth shifting can also contribute to other oral health issues like cavities and tooth infections, since it’s harder to clean crooked teeth properly when brushing and flossing.

2. The Jaw Bone Below The Missing Teeth Will Shrink & Weaken

Normally, the root of your tooth stimulates your jaw bone when you bite and chew. This keeps it healthy and strong. But when you lose a tooth, the bone will weaken in a process called “bone resorption.” This can lead to changes in your face and appearance, especially if you’ve lost multiple teeth. The best way to prevent this is with a dental implant. Dental implants are placed directly into the jaw bone, so they strengthen it and stimulate it just like a natural tooth would.

3. You’ll Feel Self-Conscious About Your Appearance

Losing teeth will make you feel self-conscious about how you look, especially if you’ve lost one or more front teeth. There’s a big social stigma associated with missing teeth, which may affect how others perceive you and the kind of first impression you make when meeting new people. 

4. It Will Be Harder to Speak Clearly

Your teeth are essential for speaking properly, so if you lose one or more of your teeth, you may find that it’s harder to pronounce certain words and sounds. Your speech is more likely to sound “slushy” and you may slur your words. Again, this can make you feel self-conscious and embarrassed about how you sound.

5. You’ll Have to Adjust Your Diet

Losing teeth makes it harder to eat your favorite foods. For example, you may have a hard time biting into a firm, chewy bagel if you’ve lost a few front teeth, and chewing tough foods like steak will be problematic if you’ve lost a molar or two. You may have to adjust your diet or the side of your mouth that you chew on. 

Explore Your Options for Tooth Replacement in Wauwatosa at McCue Dental Health

Dr. Shaun McCue is an expert in restorative dentistry in Wauwatosa, and can help you learn more about your options for tooth replacement, such as dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. So don’t wait. Give us a call at (414) 456-1091 or contact us online to schedule your appointment, meet with Dr. McCue, and see how you can replace your missing teeth, restore your oral health, and improve your smile.