Tooth loss and missing teeth is impacting your health more than you might think –and it’s a major problem faced by over 40 million adults in North America.  The loss of one or more teeth can lead to poor nutrition and is linked to systemic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. Missing teeth also affects a person’s psychological well-being and ability to function in the workplace.

Teeth are interconnected to each other and to your overall health

Every tooth serves a valuable function in your mouth, even a missing tooth in the back of the mouth which is not visible in your smile.  This is because each tooth in your mouth depends on the others to keep its proper position and furthermore that even your face and lips depend on your teeth to maintain its ideal shape.

The fact is that missing teeth create a space that eventually will lead to shifting and tilting of adjacent teeth or opposing teeth, or if many teeth are missing, allow significant changes to the shape of the face and mouth.

The more teeth that are lost and not replaced, the increased chance that wrinkles and lines will form and the cheeks and lips will collapse, causing you to look older than you are.

The jawbone is another consideration.  As soon as a tooth is lost, either from gum disease or an extraction, the supporting bone in the jaw begins to dissolve. Over time, loss of bone and shifting of teeth can limit dental options for replacing the missing teeth.

Tooth loss solutions

The ideal solution is to replace a missing tooth as soon as possible after it is lost. This will retain your oral health by preventing bone loss and reduce movement of surrounding teeth.

Keep in mind that your teeth are there to serve you with more than the ability to chew alone. A full set of teeth are necessary for the health of the gum and jaw tissues as well, not to mention the effects on your confidence and well-being.

If you’re missing one or more teeth, your traditional options are:

• a fixed dental bridge
• a complete denture

New developments in digital technology, however, are changing the way dentistry is practiced and producing results not possible until now. We are using new techniques to replace and restore teeth to a higher level of precision and beauty than ever before.

Computers and scanning technology take tooth restoration to a new level. Teeth can be viewed in 3-D and restorations can be customized for each patient. This allows more control by the dentist and better outcomes.

Traditionally, removable dentures and conventional bridges were the sole means to replace missing teeth. Now dental implants, which are virtually permanent, offer improved function and comfort. Dental implants are mechanically and biologically superior to previous restorative options and do not overload or damage surrounding teeth.

Our team at Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is here to help you get a healthy smile back after losing a tooth or several teeth.  After a consultation, we’ll advise you on the most suitable treatment option for your unique situation.  Contact us today!

If finances are holding you back, we have a convenient and low cost financing option to help you get your full and healthy smile back soon.