Surprising Consequences of Untreated Tooth Loss

After losing a tooth, the effects of the loss can seem obvious. For instance, the gap in your smile can affect your confidence, your ability to bite and chew comfortably, and the enunciation of your words. Yet, some of the more pressing concerns often aren’t as obvious, despite the fact that they can have a much more profound effect on your long-term oral health. Today, we explore just a few of those consequences, and how replacing lost teeth with dental implants can help you avoid them.

1. Tooth misalignment

Healthy teeth are mainly supported by roots that are embedded in your jawbone, but they also rely on the teeth nearest to them to remain properly aligned. When a tooth is lost, the healthy, remaining teeth closest to it can shift out of alignment in an attempt to restore your bite’s balance.

2. Jawbone erosion

The visible portion of your tooth, called the crown, is essential to your bite’s function, but the root that supports it is equally essential to your jawbone’s health and integrity. When you lose a tooth root, the stimulation in your jawbone from biting and chewing is reduced, which leads to fewer nutrients and a risk of gradual jawbone erosion.

3. Further tooth loss

As the jawbone shrinks from lack of nutrients, it becomes less able to fully support all of your remaining healthy teeth. As a result, your risks of losing more teeth increase as time goes by. With the help of dental implants, however, you can prevent your jawbone from losing its strength and integrity, reducing your risks of further tooth loss.

Learn How to Avoid the Consequences of Tooth Loss

If you lose one or more teeth to accidental trauma, advanced periodontal disease, or any other reason, we can help you avoid the potential consequences of the loss with the help of dental implants. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kania by calling her periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.