Why Missing Teeth Aren't Just a Cosmetic Issue

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. When missing teeth leave noticeable gaps in your smile, you may not feel comfortable sharing your smile with the world. 

However, the effects of missing teeth go far beyond cosmetics and include several serious dental health concerns. 

At R&J Dental in San Antonio, Texas, Habib Rahemtulla, DDS, offers multiple options for replacing missing teeth. You’ll collaborate to create a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and goals. 

Cosmetic issues are just the beginning

Missing teeth can have a direct impact on your confidence. People who are self-conscious about their smile are less likely to interact with others at school, work, and in social settings. 

It’s also undeniable that people associate a bright, straight smile with health and wellness. Visible dental issues can alter how others perceive you. While entirely unfair, it’s hard to argue that a healthy smile shapes perceptions.

While these reasons may prompt you to replace missing teeth, oral health is also a significant concern when you have gaps in your smile. 

Teeth provide a structured smile

Properly aligned teeth support each other, helping keep teeth stable and secure. This stabilizes your bite, which is how your upper and lower teeth line up when you bite or chew. 

A healthy bite allows you to enjoy various foods, including choices that enhance your health, like seeds, nuts, and fibrous vegetables.  

The adjacent teeth lose some of that support when you lose a tooth. This can allow teeth to shift out of alignment, further altering your bite. 

When undue pressure is placed on your remaining teeth, the possibility of tooth damage and additional tooth loss increases. 

The tooth/bone connection is essential

Each tooth is anchored directly within your jaw bone tissue. This tooth/bone connection keeps teeth in place with a little help from your gums. 

You stimulate the underlying bone tissue whenever you bite down or chew. This ongoing stimulation keeps the bone healthy and strong. 

Losing a tooth means losing that stimulation. The bone beneath can begin to wear away in a process known as resorption. 

Over time, the connection between surrounding teeth and bone can also suffer. This can cause you to lose more teeth, creating a cascade of adverse effects. 

You have options when it comes to replacing missing teeth

If you suffer the sudden loss of a tooth, it may be possible to save the tooth through reimplantation. 

Quick action is critical, so contact R&J Dental immediately for details on an emergency dentistry visit.

Otherwise, Dr. Rahemtulla offers several options for filling a gap in your smile. For instance, if the surrounding teeth are still healthy, a dental bridge can replace one or more missing teeth with artificial teeth. 

The device is secured to the adjacent teeth, creating a lasting restoration. Advancements in dental technology have made dental bridges so lifelike that most people cannot tell the difference between artificial and natural teeth. 

Dental implants are the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Implants mimic your natural tooth root by securing a small metal post into your jawbone. 

An artificial crown connected to the post creates a replacement that can last a lifetime. Best of all, along with their natural appearance, implants help maintain healthy bone tissue within your jaw. 

Next steps to restoring your smile

When you’re ready to explore these options in greater detail, schedule a visit at R&J Dental by calling the office today or requesting an appointment online.