What Are The Effects of Single Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss impacts the surrounding area and opposing teeth. When left untreated, the effects can progress and become more problematic. The empty spot where the tooth once was can cause the mouth’s structure to change due to a lack of bone and gum support. As a result, tissue and bone loss may develop and make neighboring teeth drift into the empty space.
Similarly, the tooth above the empty space could descend into the space in a process called over-eruption. All of these processes significantly impact your smile and can lead to serious issues with your bite and alignment. The longer they go unaddressed, the more extensive treatment will be to fix the problem.
What Causes Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss has two primary culprits: Trauma and decay. Trauma to a tooth due to a sports accident or slip can result in a tooth becoming cracked, chipped, or completely falling out. In cases where the tooth cannot be repaired and requires extraction, your dentist can treat it with a brand-new artificial tooth.
Tooth decay develops due to poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, hormonal changes, tobacco use, and some prescription medications. Over time, decay can turn to gum disease and reach a point where a filling is no longer viable, and the tooth must be replaced altogether. In some cases, decay can become so severe that the tooth falls out on its own.
Treatment For Single Tooth Loss
Your dentist will evaluate the state of your jaw, gums, and existing teeth to determine the best course of action. At AZ Family Dental, we typically take one of two approaches to single-tooth loss: A fixed bridge or a dental implant.
Fixed Bridge
A fixed bridge sits in the empty space and is held in place by two crowns attached to the healthy, adjacent teeth. It matches the color and size of your natural teeth to blend in and benefit your smile.
Dental Implant
As the name suggests, dental implants are surgically implanted into your jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. This allows the implant to function as a root while also appearing as a natural tooth.
