Replacement for a Missing Tooth

If you have lost a tooth, especially one that is not visible when you talk and smile, you may not think that it is worth replacing. However, not replacing a missing tooth can have serious emotional and physical consequences. 

Emotional Consequences

Whether you agree or not, society casts a negative light on people with missing teeth. Look closely at characters on TV or in movies who are supposed to be poor or unintelligent – chances are they will have a missing tooth. 

As life expectancies continue to rise, you could be living with the stigma and difficulty speaking or eating for decades, even if you lose a tooth in your 50s or 60s. 

Physical Consequences

Over time the teeth next to the missing tooth will shift towards each other in an attempt to fill the gap. This can affect your bite, causing extra strain on the jaw, difficulty chewing and even an increased risk of tooth decay.

Not chewing your food properly can lead to digestive issues like acid reflux and malnutrition from nutrients not being absorbed properly in the digestive tract. While it may seem like a back molar hidden from view that does not need to be replaced, remember that those teeth are essential for proper chewing and digestion.

Missing teeth can also cause bone loss, which can give your face a sunken appearance, ageing you prematurely.

Restoring your smile

The most common replacement for a missing tooth is a dental implant. A dental implant consists of a titanium screw that is placed into the jawbone and this is then used as an anchor for a crown, bridge or denture, depending on the number of teeth to be replaced.

The result is a tooth that provides the closest possible restoration to having your own tooth back again.

Here at Leigh Dental Centre, we want to ensure that financial constraints never pose a barrier to you achieving your perfect smile, so we are pleased to be able to offer a number of finance options, to help you spread the cost of your dental treatment.

A dental implant is a smart investment, given the consequences associated with not replacing a missing tooth. If you would like to find out more about dental implants and if you would be a candidate for this tooth replacement treatment do not hesitate to call the surgery on 01702 472929 or book an appointment online.