At Gentle Dental Care in Edison, NJ, Dr. Brad Strober, DMD, MAGD, has advanced training in implant dentistry and has placed dental implants for many years, while Dr. Cynthia Butcofski brings extensive experience providing comprehensive dental care in the Edison community.
Evaluating a missing tooth early can help identify changes in the bite, bone, and surrounding teeth before they become more difficult to manage.
How A Missing Tooth Can Change Your Bite
Teeth depend on one another to maintain proper spacing and alignment. Once a tooth is lost, neighboring teeth may gradually tilt or drift toward the empty space.
These changes can alter how the upper and lower teeth meet when you bite or chew. Uneven pressure may place additional stress on certain teeth and can make chewing less comfortable or efficient.
A missing tooth may also allow the opposing tooth to move farther out of its normal position because it no longer has a tooth to bite against.
What Happens To The Jawbone After Tooth Loss?
Tooth roots provide regular stimulation to the jawbone through biting and chewing. After a tooth is lost, that stimulation disappears in the affected area.
Over time, the body may begin to resorb some of the unused bone. The amount and rate of bone loss can vary, but reduced bone volume may eventually affect facial support and influence future tooth replacement options.
Other Missing Tooth Side Effects
Missing tooth side effects can extend beyond the original gap. Depending on the location of the missing tooth and how long it remains untreated, possible concerns include:
- Shifting or crowding of nearby teeth
- Changes in bite alignment
- Difficulty chewing certain foods
- Increased stress on remaining teeth
- Jawbone loss around the empty space
- Greater difficulty replacing the tooth later
A dental examination can help determine which changes, if any, have already occurred.
Replacing A Missing Tooth In Edison, NJ
Replacing a missing tooth can help restore chewing function, support proper tooth alignment, and protect long-term oral health. Gentle Dental Care can evaluate the condition of the surrounding teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone to discuss appropriate treatment options.
To learn more about restoring a missing tooth, call 732-549-5660 to schedule a consultation with Gentle Dental Care in Edison, NJ.
