How A Missing Tooth Can Harm Your Jawbone

It may be hard to imagine but even one missing tooth can harm your jawbone. Having just one missing tooth can cause a myriad of problems including everything from making it difficult to eat to having a direct impact on personal self-esteem. That said missing teeth including just one missing tooth can be damaging to the jawbone and facial structure. In short, a missing tooth can directly change the shape and health of the face as well as the jawbone. When a tooth goes missing and is not replaced the muscles and bone mass around that tooth are affected. 

Lasting Effects on The Sinuses

One of the best ways to deal with a missing tooth is to consider dental implants. This is a permanent replacement option that not only provides for full functionality but also helps to maintain bone mass in the jaw. Another key consideration with regard to not replacing a missing tooth is that even the sinuses may be affected. What this means is that minor changes in the upper jawbone caused by a missing tooth can have lasting effects on the sinuses. Another concern with regard to missing teeth is that it causes the bite to change. Note that the bite can also change simply due to changes in the jawbone. 

Eat and Smile 

Anytime the bite changes, teeth can be affected in a negative way. That is why it is so important to always consult with your dental care provider and take the necessary steps to maintain a good bite and an overall healthy dental environment. Always remember that teeth are vitally important to being able to talk, eat and smile. That said they also help support your facial muscles and skin. As teeth go missing, the facial structure changes. Dental implants as well as bridges and other solutions are designed to correct these problems. Talk with your Walnut Creek dentist, Dr. Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Dental Implant Solutions to learn more about how even a missing tooth can harm your jawbone. 

References:
[1] Dental Implant Vs Dental Bridge
[2] My Dental Implant Options