Tooth loss can take a toll on an otherwise healthy body. At first, it may seem like having one or two missing teeth isn’t that big of a deal, but without an adequate replacement, it’s just a matter of time before a host of damaging side effects set in. Fortunately, dental implants in Houston can help to mitigate the hidden consequences of tooth loss. Keep reading to find out more about how — and why it matters.
What Happens When You Have Lost a Tooth?
When you are missing a tooth, you haven’t just lost the visible portion (the part we call the crown). You are also without the supportive root structure, or the part that brings important nutrients and blood flow to the jaw bone. Without a tooth’s root, the jaw bone will slowly resorb due to disuse. This loss of tissue causes a sunken appearance and can lead to even further tooth loss later on. In fact, the loss of a single tooth places you at a much higher risk of losing additional teeth in the coming years. But bone resorption and further tooth loss are not the only risks of missing teeth. Some of the other hidden consequences of tooth loss include:- Difficulty eating nutritious foods, which impacts overall wellbeing
- Speech may develop a lisp or whistle
- Negative self-image from gaps in the smile
- Shifting teeth and resulting orthodontic issues