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According to the American College of Prosthodontics, about 120 million Americans have at least one missing tooth. So if you fall in that category, you’ve come to the right place. Men usually dismiss the idea of tooth replacement because it doesn’t count as a necessity for them. Some take pride in having a missing tooth, especially when it results from an event that proved their masculine strength.
Replacing your missing tooth has several significant benefits, and it is imperative to understand that there are risks involved when you fail to replace a lost tooth. Most men believe that tooth replacement is simply cosmetic; however, this article will discuss the impact of a missing tooth on men’s health and the best ways to go about a replacement.
There are several causal factors of missing teeth in men, from inadequate dental care to accidents or injuries. While most people focus on the impact of having a cosmetic tooth replacement, they sometimes fail to realize that a missing tooth can heighten your chances of developing severe dental conditions.
Suppose you have a missing tooth; one of the best decisions you can make for yourself is scheduling a dental check-up session with a dental center like the Unicare Center For Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry. Doing this will give you access to professional experts who will help you repair your smile and improve your oral health.
Why Should You Replace A Lost Tooth?
- Increased Health Risks
One of the most leading causes of tooth loss is gum disease. It is also associated with stroke, diabetes complications, heart disease, and other cognitive diseases. Considering that the symptoms of gum disease are mild, it may take a while for people to realize they have a gum infection. Some of the possible signs of gum disease are; bad breath, bleeding when brushing, red and swollen gums. Gum disease is a chronic oral health problem; however, it is treatable.
- Increased Risk of Tooth Loss
Research posits that failure to replace a lost tooth increases the risk of losing more teeth. According to experts, the remaining teeth must struggle to chew food, so each tooth works harder than usual. Also, the gaps that missing teeth leave cause the surrounding teeth to move out of place. When teeth change positions, the alignment between the upper and lower teeth is affected too. This causes a person’s bite to become unequal, leading to teeth grinding, cracking, and further damage.
- Poor Diet and Speech
Some men who have lost multiple teeth find it hard to chew on hard or dense foods, and as a result, their diet is greatly affected. This can lead to them having problems balancing their diet and nutrition, which will harm their overall health. Also, speech can become altered after losing several teeth. Inability to pronounce words correctly can lead to slurry conversations and create an overall unsophisticated outlook.
Teeth Replacement Options
Men who decide to get their missing teeth replaced will appreciate revived oral function, comfort, and a lesser risk of dental problems. Typically, people feel more confident in their smiles and overall attitude after replacing lost teeth.
Here are some teeth replacement options you should consider if you have lost a tooth:
- Dental Implants
Dental implants are usually made from titanium, and they are secured into the jaw to provide support to the crowns. By maintaining excellent oral health and hygiene, dental implants can last a lifetime.
- Bone grafting
After some time, a missing tooth may cause the tissue in the jawbone to degenerate, leading to jaw shrinkage or brittleness. Bone grafting is one of the best options to revive a solid jawbone. Usually, grafting is a necessary step before installing dental implants.
- Bridges
Dental bridges are installed to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. Usually, experts secure bridges with crowns connected to healthy teeth. Bridges are a permanent option for teeth repair and replacement.
- Dentures
A denture is required for the replacement of all teeth on the upper or lower arch. Suction can be used to hold upper dentures in place. For lower dentures, dental implants or adhesives can be used to fix them in place. Dentures can either be permanent or removable, depending on the patient’s choice.
Conclusion
If you have lost a tooth just for a day or for many years, do not hesitate to book an appointment with a dentist today. Your dentist is in the best position to suggest a suitable replacement for your lost tooth or teeth after proper examinations and considerations. Also, it would be best to go for a tooth replacement option that you are most comfortable with.
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