Missing Teeth

Do you want healthy teeth? Then replacing missing teeth is important. It is against our medical advice that you keep gaps in your mouth.

Fortunately, the dental implants offered by The Gentle Dental provide the ideal solution to tooth loss. By anchoring a new tooth within the jaw itself, there is no need for temporary and unreliable solutions such as dentures, and the procedure is simple and painless.

Further tooth loss often occurs as the neighbouring teeth attempt to fill the gap left by the missing tooth.

As they do, the gum gradually recedes until the teeth begin to loosen. This process typically continues until the teeth find new points of contact or fall out entirely.

These unwanted movements also create problems of their own; by creating new spaces in the mouth, food and debris get trapped, increasing the likelihood of periodontal disease later on.

The knock-on effects of tooth loss extend beyond the gums, however.

Teeth play a central role in the health and structure of the jaw. When teeth are missing, the result is often a reduction in jaw definition, which only bone grafts can heal.

In the first year of tooth loss alone, the jaw experiences a 25% reduction.

This can lead to a significantly weaker profile and a more ‘aged’ appearance.

As the jawbone begins to contract, gum tissue starts to shrink as well, becoming increasingly vulnerable and eventually developing sore spots.

With the increase of space in the mouth, the tongue can also enlarge, creating further complications within the mouth.

Tooth loss can have significant consequences for a person’s general health.

The main cause, and perhaps the most obvious, is the loss of chewing ability, with a study of denture wearers showing that nearly half exhibited a lower ability to chew correctly.

Chewing has been linked to better general health, including less reliance on medication and a better diet.

Equally, studies indicate a strong correlation between good dental hygiene and reduced risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Another impact of tooth loss, and one that is often overlooked, is the impact on mental health.

Tooth loss can be embarrassing for many, resulting in a loss of overall confidence.

One might begin avoiding certain situations such as kissing and eating in public or even avoid smiling altogether.

Any one of these can be deeply damaging to a person’s well being, and only compound the physical effects of tooth loss.