Tooth loss can negatively affect your smile in a number of ways; the ramifications go far beyond aesthetics. In today’s article our Santa Monica dental implant dentists are going to be discussing the reality of tooth loss. Learn more about what happens to your smile when you lose a tooth.
Dental Alignment
Obviously that first thing that patients notice after tooth loss is a hole in their smile. After that, however, one of the first side effects to pop up is changing dental alignment. When you lose a tooth, you suddenly have a blank space into which adjacent teeth can and will shift. That is why it’s so common to deal with dental crowding and bite problems post-tooth loss.
Jawbone
The dental root of the tooth not only keeps your tooth in place, it also supports the surrounding jawbone tissue. Once the tooth root is gone, you may find that your jawbone starts to deteriorate and weaken. Unfortunately, the hole in your bone tissue can become a nexus of additional damage and infection.
Additional Tooth Loss
As various parts of your smile begin to change, move, and even degrade, you may be at risk for additional tooth loss. The sad truth is that for many patients, initial tooth loss is like the first domino falling. That is why it is important for you to partner with your dental team to protect your remaining smile. With some forethought and strategic planning, you can give your smile its best shot at staying strong and healthy.
Although tooth loss is disruptive and detrimental for your smile, timely treatment can help you overcome these obstacles and get back on track. Reach out to our Santa Monica dental implant dentists to learn more and to schedule a personal consultation—we’re here to help you!