Dental Care

The Real Story of Living Without Teeth

In addition to altering how your smile looks, losing teeth may be an issue on both a physical and emotional level. The effects of having missing teeth are numerous, ranging from trouble eating your favorite meals to low self-worth. 

This blog will discuss the reasons for tooth loss and the importance of using tooth replacement procedures to replace lost teeth. For more information on replacing missing teeth, contact a dentist in Encinitas, CA.

Reasons for Losing Teeth 

Tooth loss may occur at any age and for a variety of reasons. The following are the most common causes of tooth loss: 

  • Gum disease: When plaque builds up along the gum line, your gums weaken and an infection gradually destroys the supporting bone, which eventually results in tooth loss.
  • Tooth decay: If cavities and decay are not treated, they can progress farther into the tooth and result in root infections. In these situations, in order to stop the infection from progressing to the rest of your teeth, the dentist might need to extract the impacted tooth.
  • Dental trauma and injuries: Tooth loss may result from oral trauma and injuries experienced during physical activities, sports, or accidents.
  • Genetic and medical issues: Due to some hereditary conditions, permanent teeth may not erupt at all, creating gaps in your smile. 

Additionally, several drugs used to treat diseases might also cause tooth loss and other dental issues. 

What Happens Place If Missing Teeth Are Not Repaired?

Do not assume that you are not required to replace your lost teeth. If neglected, missing teeth can have a severe adverse effect on your health and well-being. The following are some implications of missing teeth:

  • Eating Difficulties

When teeth are lost, it can be difficult to chew and eat. Your general health may suffer as a result of having to limit your food. You can start eating with only one side of your mouth at the same time, which can put pressure on your jaw muscles and make them hurt. 

  • Speech Issues

Speaking can grow difficult when you lose teeth. This is due to the fact that, in addition to your lips and tongue, your teeth are also essential for word pronunciation.

  • Bone Loss and Changes to the Face

Your jawbone might weaken if your lost teeth are not replaced. The cause of this is that your bone does not receive sufficient stimulation to keep its density. Therefore, it may change the way your facial muscles seem, change your appearance, and add unnecessary expense to future dental treatments.

  • Affect Your Confidence

The gaps left by missing teeth might also bring on low confidence. Furthermore, it might make you camera shy and self-conscious about your appearance, which could negatively impact your professional and social life.  

  • Effects on Your Social Life

Your social and daily activities may be affected by missing teeth, making you avoid social events, smile or laugh in public, and communicate with others. You might eventually start to distance yourself from loved ones, friends, and social gatherings that you used to enjoy.

Options for Teeth Replacement

There are choices for restoring your smile, which is not surprising given how important it can be to take care of missing teeth and how common the problem is. Dentists and endodontists provide a number of more recent techniques in addition to the standard method of wearing dentures or artificial teeth. You have no need to put up with losing teeth.

  • Implants for teeth

Dental implants are a particularly attractive alternative when restoring a single tooth is the objective. These offer permanent artificial teeth that are designed to match your real ones. 

  • Dentures

In cases of severe tooth loss, complete or partial sets of dentures—false teeth—may be needed. These are removed at night and worn as needed.

  • Dental bridges

The third option is to install a dental bridge, which is a successful way to replace multiple missing teeth at once. 

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