It is estimated that by the time the average American is 50 years old they will have lost 12 permanent teeth. If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be wondering why you should even bother doing anything about it – after all, what can it hurt to have a missing tooth? However, there are a few reasons why you should consider implant dentistry if you are missing teeth.
Missing teeth can affect your overall health
When you have all of your teeth, they can keep each other stable and in place. However, if you are missing a tooth, the rest of your teeth may shift out of place. This not only increases your risk for gum disease and tooth decay, it can also lead to changes in the muscles of your face and jaw. This can lead to a jaw joint disorder, such as TMJ, which can result in headaches and jaw and neck pain.
Missing teeth can affect your appearance
If you are missing a tooth and your teeth start to move, the look of your mouth can change. Your muscles may start to sag and you may start to look older than you really are.
Missing teeth can affect your self-esteem
Trying to constantly hide that gap in your teeth means you’ll be self-conscious whenever you talk, smile, or laugh. Having a missing tooth can also lead to difficulty speaking. All of this, together, can do damage to your self-esteem.
Missing teeth can affect your appetite
Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy your favorite foods without having to chew carefully so that you can avoid the gap in your teeth? Over time you may find yourself being very picky about what foods you eat, just to avoid the trouble, which not only can affect your health but how much you enjoy life.
There are several options available if you are missing a tooth or several teeth. Dr. Samuel Jirik and his staff can discuss all of these options with you and can help you decide which one would be best for you. You don’t have to live with a gap in your teeth. Call the office in Cabot, Arkansas, at 501-843-9561 for a consultation today!
