Sometimes in life, when a problem comes up, you find that you are too busy to do anything about it, and eventually you just learn to live with it. Having a missing tooth may fall into this category – after all, what can it hurt to have that space in your mouth? You should know, however, that there are many good reasons to take the time to have that tooth replaced, with a dental implant or another restorative option.
Missing teeth can affect your health
Having all of your teeth in place is important. When teeth are snugged in together, all of them stay in alignment – if one or more are missing, the other teeth will begin to move. This can be bad for your teeth, but it can also end up affecting your jaw. The muscles can begin to change, causing painful jaw joints, headaches, muscle aches in the face and upper body, and even pain when you are eating (especially if you have to do a lot of chewing).
Eventually, between the jaw pain and the discomfort of trying to avoid that gap in your teeth while you eat, you may start to avoid healthy, crunchy vegetables and fruits, which can end up affecting not only your oral health, but the rest of your health as well.
Missing teeth can affect your quality of life
Missing teeth can affect your appetite, and it can also mean you just don’t enjoy food like you used to. You might also begin to develop self-esteem issues, as you find yourself becoming self-conscious about the way you speak or smile. Over time, missing teeth can also make the muscles around your mouth start to droop, making your mouth sag and making you look older than you are.
Getting an implant or another kind of restoration may seem like a hassle, and you may wonder why you should even bother. But, an implant will not only help you feel better, it can make you want to smile again. To make an appointment for a consultation regarding that lost tooth, call Lerner & Lemongello in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Call (561) 627-9000 today!