The urgency to replace a lost tooth isn’t always the same. For some people, the loss of a tooth doesn’t seem that severe, or it seems like something that can be addressed at some point in the future. Unfortunately, this misconception is a common reason why single tooth loss often turns into multiple or severe tooth loss before some people address it. Today, we examine a few of things that can happen as you wait to replace a lost tooth, and how these different consequences can impact your plan to restore your smile.

Your biting and chewing power diminish

All of your teeth are necessary parts of your biting and chewing function, and losing a single one can negatively impact this function in multiple ways. For one thing, the loss creates an empty space in your dental ridge that disrupts your other teeth’s ability to absorb your bite’s pressure properly. Also, some of your remaining teeth can shift toward the space, throwing your bite further off balance and inhibiting your bite’s function more severely. Replacing the tooth as soon as possible can help you avoid the consequences of diminishing bite power, restoring your good oral health and quality of life in the process.

The loss impacts your daily life

The reactions of your remaining teeth are a significant reason why you shouldn’t wait to address the loss of a tooth. Yet, you may notice more immediate effects of the loss in your daily life even before these consequences start to become obvious. For instance, when you’ve lost a tooth, it can become more uncomfortable, or even painful, to bite and chew certain types of foods. You may find yourself avoiding some of your favorite meals and foods out of a fear of discomfort trying to eat them. Everyday things like brushing and flossing your teeth properly can also become more challenging and difficult due to the empty space along your dental ridge.

Your risks of other dental issues rise

The combined consequences of your remaining teeth reacting poorly and the impacts to your daily life can make tooth loss a significant risk factor in the future of your oral health. With the tooth gone, the empty socket that supported its root within your jawbone can begin to resorb, losing mass and density in the process. Your remaining teeth can become more at-risk of suffering damage, developing decay, or becoming so far out of alignment that they have to be extracted and replaced.

Don’t wait to replace a lost tooth

If you wait long enough to replace a lost tooth, the subsequent damage caused by the tooth’s loss could lead to more extensive treatment than you expect. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Dental Centre of Conroe in Conroe, TX, today at (936) 441-4600. We serve patients from Conroe and all neighboring communities.