Even one missing tooth can lead to major oral problems.
So, you have recently, or maybe not so recently, lost one of your teeth. It cracked on something, and broke in a way that was not salvageable. It should not be anything major you need to worry about, after all, it was just one tooth, right? Unfortunately, that is not the case. Even a single missing tooth can lead to a wide range of problems. It is important that you figure out a way to treat that missing tooth before it damages your entire mouth. The longer it is left, the more damage it has the potential to do.
What Can One Missing Tooth Really Do?
Many people think that just one little missing tooth will not do much, but that one tooth can have a domino effect. First, your teeth begin to shift because there is now and open space where there was not one before. Second, your gums pull back because there is nothing there to hold on to. This can cause receding gums on the surrounding teeth as well. Third, your body believes that there is no need to have bone tissue in the jaw beneath where that one tooth was, so it begins to reabsorb the bone. This leads to bone loss in the entire area and can lead to a whole host of missing teeth.
What Options Are There to Correct Just One Tooth?
You have several options when it comes to missing teeth. First, you have a bridge. This is a false tooth that sits on your gums, and the device is attached to nearby teeth for stability. It keeps the teeth in place, and it keeps your gums and bone from pulling back. Next, you have the dental implant. This is a false tooth that is put in your mouth by means of a post put into your jaw with a false tooth on top. It acts just like your natural tooth, and keeps your entire mouth healthier and stronger.
Do you want to find out more about what we can do to help? Then give us a call here at River Valley Smile Center. We love helping people get their smiles back, and we would love to help you, too. Don’t ignore just one missing tooth, thinking it is no big deal. It is a big deal, and it can be corrected. It all starts with just a phone call to us!
