Importance Of Replacing Missing Teeth
Have you recently had a tooth removed or extracted and are wondering if it needs to be replaced? For most situations the answer is yes, the tooth needs to be replaced. The only circumstances that do not require a tooth replacement is when wisdom teeth are removed, a child’s baby tooth is removed, or if a tooth is removed at the request of an orthodontist before treatment is started. Some patients are eager to start on the tooth replacement process, while others may deliberate whether to replace a rear tooth that is not quite as visible. Aside from rear molars not being seen when you smile and speak, there are other factors that can lead to hesitation, such as cost, length of the procedure, and recovery time. Not replacing a tooth can lead to future complications, the need for additional treatments, and added expense.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Although each tooth is individual, all of the teeth in your mouth work together as a unit. Similar to the players on your favorite sports team, each tooth has a purpose and a job. When a player in a game becomes injured and needs to be removed, their position needs to be filled or other members of the team can become compromised and injured. The same is true for your teeth. When one tooth is missing, it can put added stress on the surrounding teeth. While problems might not be seen immediately, eventually you may experience issues such as:
- Teeth that show signs of premature wear
- Cracked teeth
- Teeth that have shifted out of place
- Difficulty chewing or speaking properly
- Issues with TMD
- Jaw deterioration
- Droopy facial muscles
Tooth Replacement Options
At Highland Dental, we offer a number of tooth replacement options that can restore the function as well as the aesthetic appearance of the teeth. During the process of your extraction, we can discuss the tooth replacement option we recommend. If you are a new patient, we would love to meet you during an exam and discuss your dental history and your lifestyle, and we can work together to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and your budget.
If you are in need of a tooth replacement and would like more information about which treatment plan is best for you, please contact our office located in St. Paul, MN. We look forward to helping you with your dental needs soon.
