Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to an incident or extraction, the gap in your smile can impact your confidence. However, when it comes to a missing back tooth, you might question the need for replacement since it’s not visible. To grasp the importance of a full smile, read on to discover why replacing a missing back tooth is crucial.
Reason #1: Chewing Food
Nutrient-rich foods such as broccoli, carrots, celery, and spinach play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and robust smile. The absence of a back tooth can affect the functionality of your teeth during meals, as each tooth serves a distinct purpose. If a molar is missing, the proper grinding of food becomes challenging, impacting digestion and potentially hindering the absorption of essential vitamins.
Reason #2: Shifting Teeth
When teeth are missing, the gaps in your smile prompt the surrounding teeth to shift and fill the space. Whether it’s a back tooth or elsewhere in your smile, this can have detrimental effects on your remaining teeth. The uneven distribution of pressure and bite force during eating can result in premature wear, weakening the teeth over time. This situation may eventually contribute to further tooth loss.
Reason #3: Weakening Jawbone
The consequences of missing teeth go beyond the aesthetic aspect of your smile. The jawbone area where the teeth were once situated lacks the necessary stimulation from chewing, biting, and grinding.
The absence of this stimulation can lead to the erosion of the jawbone, resulting in its weakening. Additionally, this deterioration can influence your facial shape, potentially contributing to an aged appearance.
Reason #4: Increase of Oral & Overall Health Risks
The gaps created by missing teeth become ideal spaces for the entrapment of plaque and food particles. Consequently, bacteria in your mouth flourish, increasing the risk of developing gum disease and cavities. Cleaning gapped teeth is also more challenging, allowing the accumulation of plaque and food particles, posing a threat to the health of your smile.
While the absence of a back tooth might not immediately appear to significantly affect your smile, it can potentially lead to serious complications. Consulting with your dentist is crucial to exploring the best replacement options that can restore your beam and prevent any potential issues from arising.
About the Practice
The dedicated Chicago team at Washington Dental Care takes great pleasure in assisting patients on their journey to embracing and loving their smiles. With expertise in all aspects of dental health, their mission is to help you proactively address and prevent smile-related issues. If you happen to be missing a back tooth, the team offers a range of tooth replacement options, including dental implants, designed to not only prevent complications but also restore your confidence in your smile. For more information on tooth replacement options or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Peter Hammes or Dr. Giancarlo Cecchin, visit the Washington Dental Care website or contact them at (814) 238-3553.
