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Losing your baby teeth as a child was exciting and made for cute photos, but the same can’t be said of losing teeth as you grow older. The loss of a tooth can have a widespread effect on your overall dental health, so finding a suitable replacement is more than a cosmetic concern.
Here at Central Avenue Dental, with offices in Valley Stream, New York, and Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood in New York City, our team knows a gap in your smile can trigger a cascade of oral health problems. These include:
Your teeth exist in a delicate balance, with each one supporting the teeth next to it. A lost tooth disrupts that balance. The adjacent teeth naturally drift into the space left by the missing tooth.
This movement can undo years of orthodontic work, leading to a crooked smile and a misaligned bite. An improper bite doesn't just look off; it can cause uneven wear on your teeth, jaw pain, and even headaches.
One of the most significant consequences of a missing tooth happens below the gumline. Your jawbone relies on the stimulation it receives from the roots of your teeth every time you chew.
Without a tooth root to stimulate it, the bone in that area shrinks and deteriorates, a process known as resorption.
Studies show you can lose up to 25% of your bone mass in the year after losing a tooth. This bone loss can weaken the support for neighboring teeth, eventually altering your facial structure and leading to a sunken appearance.
Losing even one tooth can make it harder to chew your food, impacting your digestion and nutritional intake. You might even avoid healthy foods that are crunchy or chewy. Missing teeth can also affect your speech, causing you to develop a lisp or whistle when you talk.
The good news is you don't have to live with the consequences of a missing tooth. At Central Avenue Dental, we offer practical solutions to restore the look and function of your smile.
Dental implants can fill the gap, providing a more permanent solution by replacing the tooth root itself. An implant is the only option that stimulates the jawbone, preventing bone loss and preserving your facial structure.
Don't let a missing tooth compromise your oral health. To learn more about your replacement options and find the right solution for you, schedule a consultation by phone or online with Dr. Igor Ilyabayev or Dr. Alevtina Edgar today.
