When you were a kid, losing your teeth was exciting. Not only did it feel fun getting older, but you also knew you’d be getting adult teeth to replace them. Plus, the tooth fairy would pay you a visit that night. Unfortunately, when you lose an adult tooth, not only does the tooth fairy not come, but the tooth won’t grow back, either. Teeth play a vital role in the digestive process, and without them, you could be putting your health at risk.
What Do Teeth Do?
The primary role of teeth is to aid digestion. Your teeth break down food into smaller particles, making it easier for your body to extract nutrients and separate waste. Each tooth has a different function, from biting and tearing food to grinding it up.
Losing a Tooth
Losing a tooth means the digestive process just got a bit tougher to do. Not only can you not chew your food properly, but the gap the missing tooth creates may also encourage other teeth move into that spot, creating a misaligned bite. Missing multiple teeth makes it more likely that your gums and jawbone will shrink, since neither have anything to support. This can make surrounding teeth vulnerable to decay. Additionally, your cheeks may start to sag inwards, losing their muscle density and giving you an older appearance.
What You Can Do to Replace a Missing Tooth
Thankfully, you have options when it comes to replacing one or more missing teeth. At Ashley Laird, DDS, we are happy to discuss treatment options to help you decide which is best for you. Whether it is crowns, bridges, or full or partial dentures, we look forward to working with you and coming up with a solution to restore the functionality and appearance of your teeth. You may not be able to grow back missing teeth, but you don’t have to live with gaps left behind. Contact us to schedule an appointment!
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