How Losing One Tooth is Like a Domino Effect

Perhaps you have lost a tooth as a result of an injury to your mouth, or maybe decay led to an extraction instead of a root canal. Whatever the reason for your missing tooth, it’s important to consider replacing it — whether with a partial denture, dental bridge, or implant.

Living with missing teeth can have a domino effect on your oral and overall health. Here’s why replacing that missing tooth matters more than you might think.

What Can Go Wrong When You Lose a Tooth?

No one wants to lose a tooth, but when it happens, it sets off a silent chain reaction in your mouth. The effects often start beneath the surface, making them easy to overlook until more serious problems appear.

• Jawbone deterioration: Once a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Over time, the bone begins to shrink and weaken as it’s reabsorbed into the body.
• Shifting teeth: The neighboring teeth will start to move toward the empty space, becoming crooked or misaligned.
• Loose or lost teeth: As surrounding teeth shift, they can loosen and eventually fall out, compounding the problem.
• Bite misalignment: Missing a tooth on the lower jaw can cause upper teeth to drift downward because there’s no longer an opposing surface for balance.

What’s most concerning is that these changes are often painless at first. Because of that, many people assume that missing a single tooth isn’t a big deal — until it leads to further tooth loss or jaw pain later on.

Preventing the Domino Effect

The good news is that all of these problems can be prevented with the right treatment. Replacing missing teeth helps restore your bite, maintain your jawbone, and preserve your facial structure.

At our office, we can help you find the right restoration option for your needs and budget — from dental implants and bridges to custom partial dentures.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let the loss of one tooth trigger a cascade of dental issues. Call our office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you restore your smile, protect your jawbone, and stop the domino effect before it begins.