The problem of tooth loss can be more serious than you realize. You might be tempted to emphasize the effect a missing tooth – or multiple missing teeth – can have on your smile, while overlooking the effect on your oral health. Biting and chewing can become more complicated if you have to work around a gap in your teeth. The stress placed on your jaw joints by this complication can actually lead to problems with your jaw joints, also known as TMD. You also face a greater risk for losing more teeth. Your dentist can help you better understand what a dental prosthetic can do to restore your oral health.

Relying On A Dental Prosthetic To Address Tooth Loss

What sort of prosthetic support should you turn to after tooth loss? If you want permanent support that helps your jaw function feel normal again, you can talk to your dentist about using dental implants to support your restoration. You can have a dental implant support a single replacement tooth, or you can use several to keep dentures locked in position. The support from implants can help you feel normal, while also supporting the health of your jaw, which can suffer a loss of material after tooth loss occurs.

Counting On Good Preventive Care To Protect You Against Tooth Loss

The most common reason a person loses teeth is through complications from gum disease. Good preventive care can help you stay free of periodontal woes, sparing you from tooth loss. Regular dental visits also make it less likely you will suffer serious tooth decay, which can result in your needing a root canal, or – when a cavity is too severe – a tooth extraction.