If you are missing one or more of your teeth, you want to try your hardest to have it replaced. If money is an issue, go in and talk to the dental office about a possible payment plan or dental plan options. Putting off tooth replacement can cause other dental problems and these problems will only get worse as time goes on. Learn about some of the complications of not replacing missing teeth below, so you understand just how important it is.

The Way You Eat Can Be Affected

When you are missing one or more of your teeth, it can affect your eating. If you are missing a front tooth, then you will need to change the way you bite in to certain foods, such as corn on the cob or pizza. If you are missing a molar, then you may find yourself chewing more on the side of your mouth that still has all its teeth. Eventually, this can cause your natural bite to shift, which can lead to problems such as jaw pain and headaches.

The Strenght of Your Jawbone Depends on Your Teeth

When you have all your teeth, your jawbone is stimulated through chewing and the roots of your teeth help the bone to maintain its density. When you lose a tooth, that part of your jaw will have no purpose. This lack of purpose can lead to the bone shrinking and losing its density. This can cause problems for the teeth directly next to the empty socket because it may cause them to turn in.

Your Facial Structure Depends on Your Jawbone Integrity

If you are missing more than one tooth in an area of your mouth, then the outside of your face can show it, even when your mouth is closed. It can become so bad that your lips and the surrounding area can sink into your mouth and this can make you appear much older than you really are.

Why You Should Act Promptly to Replace a Missing Tooth

You want to keep in mind that replacing a missing tooth promptly can make the entire process easier and give you more options. One example of this can be seen in dental implants. If you take too long to replace the tooth and your jawbone is affected, the dentist may need to perform extra procedures to increase your bone density before they can even attempt to give you a dental implant. If you have any questions about what options you have or what might be best for you, consider talking to a specialist in cosmetic dentistry or a local dentist.

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