Adult teeth are meant to last for life, but many people lose one or more at some point due to injury or neglect. If you have a missing or loose tooth, replacing it with a dental implant or another surgical option may be worthwhile, as there are a variety of negative health effects that can occur as a result of losing a tooth.

3 Ways a Missing Tooth Can Impact Oral Health

1. Jawbone Loss

The roots of your teeth provide stimulation to the jawbone. When a tooth falls out, the part of the jawbone surrounding that tooth socket can start to shrink since it’s no longer being used. This bone loss will progress over time, eventually leading to a noticeable change in the jaw and face shape. Since dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, they provide the stimulation needed to prevent bone loss.

2. Tooth Decay

If you’re missing a tooth, the others around it may shift over time to make it easier to chew or speak. This can create small gaps between teeth and gums where plaque and bacteria will collect.

This often accelerates tooth decay and gum disease in those areas. Implants or replacement options will stop teeth from shifting.

3. Headaches

When teeth shift after one is lost, it can also create irregular bite patterns. When your teeth don’t fit together properly as you talk or chew, it can put extra stress on the jaw and joints that connect to your head. This may lead to headaches or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Replacing missing teeth is important for keeping your bite pattern aligned.

If you’re considering a dental implant to replace a missing tooth, contact the professionals at Oral Surgery Associates of Central Georgia. Based in Warner Robins, this practice has been serving patients throughout central Georgia since 1997. The team offers a variety of oral surgery services, including wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, and dental implants. Visit the website to see a full selection of procedures. To schedule an appointment, call (478) 971-8811.