Replace Missing Teeth

By the time they reach age 44, nearly 70 percent of American adults have lost at least one tooth due to trauma, decay, or periodontal disease. An estimated 178 million people in the United States are missing at least one tooth, a statistic expected to continue growing over the next 20 years due to the burgeoning rate of periodontal disease. Although replacing a single missing tooth may not seem like a pressing matter, postponing treatment can trigger a number of serious long-term consequences.

The Domino Effect

A single missing tooth can trigger a domino effect, causing additional tooth loss as well as a range of other issues. Your teeth work together as a unit, so losing even one puts additional strain on the others. The subsequent wear and tear may cause remaining teeth to fracture, drift, tilt, or break. Unbeknownst to the patient, the adjacent teeth may also begin to shift into the empty spaces left from the missing tooth. The misalignment reduces long-term stability and increases your vulnerability to decay and periodontal disease.

When the domino effect leads to multiple missing teeth, more severe complications can occur, including:

1. Impaired Mastication. One lost tooth might not affect your chewing, but multiple missing teeth certainly will. Besides being unable to enjoy your favorite foods, impaired chewing can limit your diet and compromise your nutrition. As a result, you may experience constipation, weight loss, indigestion, constipation, and rheumatism.

2. Bone Loss. When you lose a tooth, the underlying bone collapses. Since a significant amount of the overall bone loss occurs within the first year, postponing replacement can cause substantial long-term damage. Replacing your teeth with dental implants can help prevent bones loss because the implants actually stimulate growth like natural teeth.

3. Bite Breakdown Facial Collapse. Since most chewing occurs in the back teeth, they eventually wear down as we age. However, the additional strain caused by missing teeth can expedite this process and cause the vertical height of your face to collapse. When vertical collapse occurs, the chin shifts up towards the nose and the lips form a down-turned crease in the corners of your mouth, resulting in a perpetual frown.

4. Deformity. It can be tempting to hold off on replacing a missing tooth if it does not initially affect the appearance of your smile. Because they can’t be seen, many people mistakenly presume that it’s not as important to replace missing teeth in the back of their mouths. As time goes on, however, the domino effect can wreak havoc on your smile and overall facial appearance regardless of where the tooth loss initially occurred. The aforementioned bone loss may cause your face to take on a “sunken-in” appearance as your lips, tongue, and cheeks no longer have the same level of support.

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and can be adapted to the needs of the patient, making them an ideal long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Click here to learn more about the advantages of dental implants.

Additional Sources:

http://www.yourdentistryguide.com/implants/
http://www.toothpower.com/implant.htm
http://www.gotoapro.org/news/facts--figures/

Enjoy the high-tech dental services of Frank P. Bruno, DMD, serving Las Vegas, NV and North West Las Vegas. With over 30 years of experience, Frank P. Bruno, DMD is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a UNLV Clinical Dental Professor providing the best in general dentistry and cosmetic dental services. Most insurance is accepted and in-house financing options are available.

Dr. Bruno is proud to offer CEREC Same-Day Crowns, WaterLase Deep Pocket Therapy, All-on-4 Dental Implants, implant supported dentures, and porcelain veneers. Call (702) 256-8000 to schedule your appointment or click here to request an appointment online!

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Dr. Bruno Works Wonders
“Dr. Bruno is awesome! He even took the time out of his evening after my appointment to call and check up on me, now that's someone who truly cares. I have had many bad appointments with many dentists that have scared me for life, but thankfully I have found a dentist who I can trust and help me feel comfortable. Thank you Dr. Bruno!”

– Priscila

Dental Cleaning
“I had an excellent experience this morning at my appointment. The hygienists at this office are extremely friendly, professional and efficient. I was seen at my appointment time and was out in less than an hour and that included x-rays, a cleaning and a short visit with the dentist.”

Michelle D

Great Service – Partial Crown Came Off!
“Same day appointment to repair a partial crown that came off! I thought I had broken a tooth but it turned out to be just a partial crown. Dr. Bruno repaired and replaced the crown. It was not a crown he had put in originally.”
– Richard P

– Richard P