If you've lost a tooth, you may be wondering if you should replace it? The dentists at Now Dental in Bellmoore, NY, offer dental implants and are here to answer your questions.

What Happens If I Do Not Replace a Missing Tooth?

If you are missing one or several teeth, this can impact your day-to-day life and the future of your oral health. When you choose not to replace a tooth, you could experience many consequences both now and throughout your life.

You May Have Difficulty Chewing and Speaking

Missing teeth inhibit normal chewing mechanics and cause speech difficulties. Your teeth serve the crucial function of allowing you to eat and break down food for nutrition while also assisting in speaking. It just takes one missing tooth to impact your ability to pronounce words correctly or clearly.

Your Teeth Become Misaligned

When you lose a tooth, you have a gap in its place, and the adjacent teeth shift toward each other to fill that gap naturally. Unfortunately, this shift can lead to misalignment, jawbone strain, and impaired chewing.

Your Jawbone Starts to Deteriorate

The jawbone maintains its strength and stability through the constant stimulation of a tooth. When you lose a tooth, that part of the bone is no longer stimulated, and the jawbone will begin to shrink in response. Furthermore, your gums will start to recede into the gap of the missing tooth. This process causes early-onset aging because your facial skin will begin to sag, and adjacent teeth can weaken.

Why Should I Replace a Missing Tooth?

There are several reasons why your dentists in Bellmore, NY, recommend dental implants and other tooth replacement procedures. Some of the reasons you should replace a missing tooth include:

• You will look younger. Replacing a missing tooth will prevent facial sagging and maintains the structure of your face
• You can enjoy your favorite food. When you replace your tooth, you also restore your ability to chew naturally
• Your smile and speech are enhanced. Tooth replacement allows for more explicit speech and a natural smile
• Your overall health will improve.  The jawbone remains strong, and that helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease

How Can I Replace Missing Teeth?

Luckily, there are many treatment options for tooth replacement. These include:

• Dental implants
• Dentures
• Dental bridges

If you are looking for a long-lasting solution for your missing tooth, it is time to see your dentist today. Call Now Dental to see if dental implants and other tooth replacement options in Bellmore, NY, are right for you by dialing (516) 783-2900.