Whether you lost a tooth due to decay or injury, you may be wondering whether you need to see your dentist to replace it. A missing tooth poses more than a mere aesthetic concern or inconvenience. In fact, a gap in your mouth lead to other dental issues, making its important to address the issue as soon as possible.

What Are the Health Risks?

When you have are missing a tooth, surrounding teeth will respond to the change by shifting inward. Your teeth will instinctively move to bridge the gap, which can lead to malocclusion, or teeth misalignment. Over time, these conditions can lead to overbites or underbites, which can lead to chewing difficulties, speech problems, pain and discomfort.

Tooth loss will also lead to bone loss, which can hinder the appearance as well as function of the mouth. For example, you may experience sagging skin due around the jaw due to the deteriorated bone level. Many of those whom experience bone loss also are also at risk of gum disease and TMJ, both of which can cause pain, inflammation, and extensive medical intervention.

Will I Save Money?

People understandably avoid artificial tooth replacements to save time and money. However, doing so can cost a lot more in dental procedures down the road and may limit your options to restore the missing teeth. We recommend investing in an implant to improve your oral health and preserve bone level to avoid complications in the future, however other options such as a partial denture or bridge may be a better fitting and more economical option.

If you have a missing tooth, consult the experts who can help. The experienced dentist from Katz Family Dentistry in Webster, NY provides the advanced restorative services patients need to attain healthy smiles. To learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can support your needs, visit the practice online. You can also schedule an appointment with the dentist by calling (585) 671-2340 today or stopping in at their office at 629 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580.