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The Effects of Tooth Loss
 At Dallas Prosthodontics we provide many different dental restorations to deal with the effects of tooth loss and improve the beauty of your smile. Our prosthodontists focus on cosmetic dentistry, bridges, dentures, and dental implants to help restore the looks and functions of your oral health.The Effects of Tooth Loss on the JawboneTooth loss can have significant effects on the jawbone, leading to various structural and functional changes. The key impact is associated with the loss of stimulation that teeth provide to the jawbone through activities such as chewing and biting. Some of the effects of tooth loss on the jawbone include: • Bone Resorption (Atrophy): The jawbone requires stimulation to maintain its density and strength. When a tooth is lost, the lack of stimulation in that area can lead to bone resorption or atrophy. Over time, the bone in the area tends to shrink and lose volume. • Altered Jawbone Shape: As bone resorption occurs, the shape of the jawbone can change. The bone may lose its original contour, leading to a more sunken or collapsed appearance in the affected area. This can impact facial aesthetics and contribute to a prematurely aged look. • Changes in Facial Structure: Tooth loss and subsequent bone resorption can affect the overall facial structure. The loss of bone support can cause a decrease in the vertical dimension of the face, altering the relationship between the upper and lower jaws. • Shift in Tooth Alignment: Surrounding teeth may shift into the space left by the missing tooth. This can lead to misalignment, changes in bite, and increased stress on remaining teeth, potentially resulting in additional tooth loss. • Reduced Chewing Efficiency: Tooth loss affects the efficiency of chewing and biting. This can lead to changes in dietary habits as individuals may avoid certain foods due to difficulty in chewing. The lack of proper chewing function can also impact digestion. • Speech Impairment: Missing teeth and changes in jawbone structure can affect speech, leading to difficulties in articulation and pronunciation. Dental Implants Provide Stimulation to the JawboneTo mitigate the adverse effects of tooth loss on the jawbone, it is essential to address the issue promptly. Dental implants, which mimic the natural tooth root and provide stimulation to the jawbone, are considered an effective solution to prevent or minimize bone resorption. If considering dental implants as a tooth replacement option, having sufficient jawbone volume is crucial for implant success. In cases of significant bone loss, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be required to build up the bone before implant placement. Contact Us Today!Regular dental check-ups and early intervention with tooth replacement options can help maintain the health and integrity of the jawbone after tooth loss. Tooth loss, while seemingly just a dental issue, can have far-reaching effects on an individual's health, lifestyle and well-being. If you are suffering from the effects of tooth loss, contact our office at Dallas Prosthodontics at today. Our prosthodontists are here to rejuvenate your smile. |
