5 Things That Happen When You Do Not Replace a Missing Tooth

Have you recently lost a tooth? If it is near the back of your mouth, you might feel like it is hidden when you smile. Alternatively, when it is at the front, the gap can attract attention. But, you might be conflicted about what you should do about it. Is it really necessary to replace the missing tooth?

The answer to this question is yes. It is always in your best interests to replace the missing tooth, as a host of problems can occur. Acting quickly is going to ensure that you are not affected by this scenario. Here are five things that can happen if you do not replace a missing tooth.

Digestive Issues

People do not realise they can upset their digestive system when they do not replace a missing tooth. How is this possible, you might ask? It can happen because you are not chewing your food properly and breaking it down. For example, if you are missing an important tooth you use for eating, you are forced to eat food that is in larger chunks. Then this means that your body has to work harder in order to break it down. As a result, your digestion can suffer, which can cause unpleasant side effects.

If you want to avoid this problem, the best thing you can do is replace the missing tooth quickly. In the meantime. You can eat foods that are easier to digest. You can also have things like soups so that your body is able to digest it easier and there is not a lot of chewing involved.

Alignment Changes

Before you lost your tooth, did you have straight teeth? Unfortunately, this will be something that does not last long. When you allow a gap to exist, it means that the other teeth can move. They will move into this space, which is going to lead to alignment changes. Over time, it will change your smile and most people no longer like how their teeth look. 

To avoid getting braces in the future to correct this problem, it is best to get the gap filled immediately. When you do this, the other teeth do not have the opportunity to move into the space and move out of line. For example, you can do this through dental implant surgery, which is going to restore a tooth to this space. The dental implant can be fitted, which allows the other teeth to remain where they are. It will stop their movement, as well as prevent the other problems we are talking about.

Confidence Drop

Let’s not forget about how you feel when you lose a tooth. If it is one that is on display at the front, it can mean you lose confidence. You might not want to smile and show your teeth anymore and you can feel like everybody is looking at the gap left behind. This might not actually be the case. But, this is how it can feel for you. You become paranoid about the gap and what people think.

Thus, if you want to stop this confidence drop, get your missing tooth replaced as soon as you can. This way, you will not feel self-conscious when you are at work, meeting friends or smiling for photos. Many realistic alternatives exist when you lose a tooth, so the treatment is beneficial.

Changes in Your Speech

You might be surprised at how your speech changes when missing a tooth. You rely on many of them to form words and speak correctly to others. Then, when they are missing, this can make it harder to enunciate and be understood. This can lead to frustration when you notice how certain words come out. It can even lead to anxiety and not wanting to speak to people who do not know you well.

Therefore, this is another reason you always want to replace a missing tooth. It ensures that your speech does not change. It can stop whistling noises and issues with certain words. As a result, your confidence does not take a hit. 

Facial Collapse

Something that people do not know about tooth loss is that it can lead to the deterioration of the jawbone. Of course, this sounds serious, and it can affect your face shape. Indeed, it can alter the way you look and this is not in a good way. In particular, it can lead to the chin shrinking inwards, making you appear older. This change will happen overtime and most people do not like what they see.

Is there any way to avoid this facial collapse? Yes. You should get a dental implant to ensure you no longer have a gap. This is going to protect the jawbone and ensure the structure of your face remains the same.