How Does Diabetes Increase My Risk of Gum Disease?
It’s no secret that diabetes affects your entire body, but did you know it can increase your risk of gum disease? Read on to learn how diabetes can lead to gum disease and how we can help.
Why Missing Teeth Are More Than an Aesthetic Issue
Missing teeth are certainly a cosmetic concern. However, while the visual impact of gaps in your smile may be the most obvious consequence, the implications of tooth loss go beyond aesthetics.
Dr. David Blaustein offers many solutions for replacing missing teeth here at Chelsea Dental Aesthetics in New York City. Whether you’re interested in a bridge, dentures, or a dental implant, our team provides everything needed to restore your smile.
In the meantime, here’s why addressing missing teeth goes beyond just improving your appearance.
Implications of missing teeth
Missing teeth can contribute to:
Shifting teeth
When a tooth is missing, the surrounding teeth might shift to fill the gap. This movement can lead to misalignment, cause bite problems, and make oral hygiene more challenging.
Bone loss
Your jawbone requires stimulation from tooth roots to maintain density and strength. A lack of stimulation may lead to jawbone loss and contribute to a sunken facial appearance.
Gum disease
A missing tooth leaves space in the gum tissue where bacteria can thrive. That increases the risk of gum disease. Untreated, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause problems in other parts of your body.
Chewing and digestion issues
Teeth are essential for breaking down food for digestion. Missing teeth can hinder your ability to chew properly and lead to digestive issues and malnutrition (in severe cases).
Speech difficulties
Your teeth play a vital role in forming certain sounds and words. Missing teeth can lead to speech difficulties and affect your communication. You might struggle to make “th” and “sh” sounds, which can impact your self-esteem.
Loss of confidence
Beyond the physical consequences, missing teeth can take a toll on your emotional well-being.
The visible gaps in your smile and speech difficulties can erode your self-confidence and self-esteem. That can impact your social interactions at home and at work.
People with missing teeth may withdraw from social activities and avoid smiling or speaking in public due to embarrassment. That’s especially true if you’re missing a front tooth.
Don’t wait to replace a missing tooth
Failing to replace missing teeth can lead to more extensive dental issues in the long run.
You may need complex and costly dental procedures 一 such as bone grafts to address atrophy or orthodontic treatment to correct teeth that have shifted out of place 一 if you don’t address the issue promptly.
As an expert in cosmetic and implant dentistry, Dr. Blaustein offers a variety of options to replace one 一 or all 一 of your teeth. Treatments include:
- Dental implants
- Implant-supported overdentures
- Bone grafts
- Dental bridges
- Dentures, including implant-retained dentures
Missing teeth have significant implications for oral health, overall function, and emotional well-being. If you have missing teeth, call our Manhattan office at 917-200-0219 to learn which restoration option might be right for you. You can also request your appointment online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Getting Started with Invisalign: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re ready to straighten your teeth with clear braces but not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we show you how to transform your smile with Invisalign® aligners.
I Brush and Floss Daily: Why Do I Need Professional Dental Cleanings?
If you brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily, you’re doing great! These are excellent ways to take care of your oral health. But you still need professional dental cleanings. Here’s why.
Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Chew?
You might not think about your jaw until it hurts, clicks, or pops. If you’re wondering why your jaw pops when you chew, read on to learn about the potential culprits and how we can help.
I Have Dental Phobia: Can You Help?
If your fear of the dentist is so great that you avoid seeing one even when you’re in pain, you have dental phobia. Don’t let extreme fear keep you from the dental care you need. Here’s how we can help.
What Causes Teeth to Lose Their Whiteness?
Stained teeth are among the most common cosmetic complaints, but what’s at the root of your stains? Read on to learn what causes teeth to lose their whiteness and how you can make your pearly whites shine brighter.