So, you had an infected tooth, or maybe there were some teeth crowding, and you had to have your tooth or several teeth extracted. This means you probably have missing teeth and a gap in your smile.
If you're thinking that no one's going to notice so you can probably just leave it alone, keep reading to find out what happens if you don't treat or replace a missing tooth right away.
Shifting Teeth
When the teeth are all in place and aligned together, they help each other stay in position and not shift around too much. Therefore, when a tooth is missing, and there's a gap between your teeth, there's nothing stopping the surrounding teeth from growing in other directions and shifting their position. This leads to some teeth getting crooked.
You can develop new gaps between other teeth as they start to move around. Similarly, you can also experience what is called super-eruption, where the tooth directly opposite the gap starts erupting uninterrupted as there's nothing resisting it.
Biting Problems and Difficulty in Chewing
Missing teeth can also make it difficult to bite and chew. For instance, if you have a missing tooth right in front, from where you bite, it can be difficult or even painful to bite down on foods. Similarly, if you're missing one of your molars, it can make it hard to chew at times, which can then affect your digestion as well.
Self Esteem Issues
Many people also tend to develop self-esteem issues when they have a very apparent gap in their teeth. It can make them want to hide and not show their teeth to anyone. This can have a significant effect on one's mental health.
Therefore, if you have had a tooth extraction recently or even if your tooth fell out on its own, don't wait for something bad to happen. Get in touch with Brett Sullivan, DMD, MD at Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center to schedule an appointment and replace that missing tooth as soon as possible.
About Us • Oral Surgeon Clackamas, OR • Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center is the office of Brett M. Sullivan, DMD, a Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon. Click to learn more about us! Clackamas Implant & Oral Surgery Center - Brett Sullivan, DMD, MD, 11211 SE Sunnyside Road, Clackamas, OR 97015 : (503) 652-8080 : clackamasoralsurgery.com : 9/6/2024 : Related Terms: about us,oral surgeon clackamas,clackamas oral surgeon
So, you had an infected tooth, or maybe there were some teeth crowding, and you had to have your tooth or several teeth extracted. This means you probably have missing teeth and a gap in your smile.