You might think that missing teeth would only affect the appearance of your smile. However, it can have significant functional consequences, as well as oral health implications. It’s important to be aware of these consequences. That’s why the team at Centre Dentaire Taschereau in Brossard has prepared this informative article for you. We also take this opportunity to tell you about the options we offer for replacing missing teeth.
What are the most common causes of tooth loss?
Tooth loss is usually the result of an unfortunate accident, an untreated oral problem, or a range of factors, including lifestyle and oral hygiene.
Nevertheless, here are the most common causes of missing teeth:
- Periodontitis: this is an advanced form of gum disease, also affecting the root support within the jawbone. Bacterial overgrowth can lead to irreversible bone degradation and tooth loss.
- Untreated decay: untreated decay can deepen and lead to serious complications, including painful infections. These complications can even compromise the viability of the affected tooth and its retention within the dentition.
- Dental trauma: blows and shocks to the mouth can damage teeth, leading to fractures or even the complete expulsion of a tooth. These traumas can lead to the loss of one or more teeth.
What are the consequences of missing teeth not being replaced?
It’s important to understand that even one missing tooth upsets the balance of the dentition. All teeth are held in place by their neighbors and other teeth on the opposite jaw. When this balance is disrupted by tooth loss, whether single or multiple, a range of consequences can result:
- Progressive misalignment of the remaining teeth;
- The appearance of more pronounced spaces between the teeth, likely to accumulate plaque and food residues;
- Increased risk of cavities and gum problems;
- Reduced chewing ability;
- Premature wear of remaining natural teeth;
- loss of bone volume in the jaw (bone “melts” where there are no tooth roots to stimulate growth).
All these potential consequences, taken together, can seriously damage the health of the remaining natural teeth and gums. What’s more, an incomplete dentition is less able to perform its functions, especially when it comes to eating. And, of course, the greater the number of missing teeth, the greater the impact on quality of life.
What are the solutions for replacing missing teeth?
At the Centre Dentaire Taschereau, we offer a complete denturology service thanks to the presence of our denturologist Hung Hsuan Lin. We have the facilities and technology to carefully assess your needs and design a customized restoration, such as a dental bridge, or a denture (partial or full) specially adapted to your requirements.
We also offer options for dentures and restorations attached to dental implants. These artificial roots, placed within the jawbone during surgery, provide effective, long-term support for replacement teeth.
Our denturologist works closely with our dentist and dental team to propose the best solutions for maintaining your oral health, and a fully functional dentition. If you’re missing teeth and want to regain a healthy, full smile, come and see us at our dental clinic in Brossard!