Close to 75 percent of all adults have undergone a tooth extraction. If you are one of, or soon to be one of the many in need of a tooth extraction, you may think your problems will be solved after the extraction occurs. Sadly, without the proper follow-up care after the extraction, the troubles may be just beginning. What exactly does a missing tooth cost you in the long run?
Facing the Facts
Every person deserves to have a full, gleaming, healthy smile. Undergoing a tooth extraction can not only damage your self-esteem, but your mouth and wallet can take a painful hit in the long run. What happens after the loss of a tooth? What you do after the tooth extraction can mean the difference between obtaining a higher quality life and just barely getting by. Here are five consequences that occur when your mouth doesn’t receive 5-star quality treatment in the aftermath:
Consequence #1: Bone Shrinkage & Resorption
Despite the fact that a missing tooth may be hard to see depending on where it occurs in your mouth, your bones recognize the difference. After tooth loss occurs bones jump to action, resorbing or shrinking unless the loss is addressed soon after.
Consequence #2: Teeth Can Move Around
Your teeth are only as immobile and permanent as their borders. What does this mean? Without a barrier or support from another tooth or teeth, your chompers can move and/or drift causing your bite to change. Soreness in your gums or muscles may occur causing chronic pain as your body tries to adjust to the abnormal changes. It’s not only a headache physically but budget-wise as well, considering all the lasting problems that will continue to crop up after tooth loss.
Consequence # 3: More Stress On Other Teeth
Your bones need stimulation to prevent further complications. Dental implants, bridges or other forms of comprehensive treatment prevent undue stress on other teeth and help to balance and carry the load evenly to avoid more tooth loss or decay. Without applying those extra measures, you may lose your teeth more quickly costing you, even more, money in dental or medical bills long-term.
Consequence #4: Gum Disease & Tooth Decay
The roots of your teeth strengthen and solidify your jawbone. Without those teeth gum disease is more likely to happen, your jawbone is weakened and you have a lot more reasons to frown rather than smile! It also can cause tooth decay and nearby teeth. Keeping your smile beaming filled with healthy teeth literally can change your outlook and overall health.
Consequence #5: A Change In How You Speak & Look
Physically, tooth loss can affect the appearance of your face, how you speak and how well you communicate with others. Your face may take on a more aged look, you may talk with a lisp, and because the loss of teeth may be visible to the naked eye, eagerness to socialize while with friends or on the job can dissipate. This not only can affect your confidence but the amount of money you take home if you deal with clients or associates on a daily basis on the job.
Helping Yourself
Almost a third of all the population have habitual physical and mental distress caused by dental complications. You don’t have to be another statistic. The importance of labeling a missing tooth as an extenuating circumstance that requires more attention than just getting rid of the tooth or teeth allows you to understand how important your next step is. Addressing the influx of problems that inevitably will occur from the moment tooth loss happens saves you time, and prevents even more costly consequences. Help your budget and your quality of life by bringing health back to your grin today with OMD!
