While tooth loss is an unfortunately common problem, many people may be hesitant to commit to the time and effort it takes to replace their missing teeth if they are hard to notice to begin with. While it might be tempting to forego replacing a lost molar in the back of your mouth, this can lead to significant consequences for your appearance and your oral health. Here’s a brief guide to why it’s so important to replace lost teeth as soon as possible regardless of where they are in the mouth.
Tooth Loss Leads to Uneven Dental Wear
Each tooth is coated with a protective layer of enamel, which is the hardest substance naturally occurring in the human body. While enamel is incredibly strong, it is not invincible and will wear down over the years due to the stress of chewing. Thankfully, the teeth work as a team to evenly distribute the pressure of chewing among themselves to spread the force out and minimize dental wear. This is especially important for the molars since they bear most of the stress caused by chewing.
Sadly, tooth loss can redistribute this pressure in a way that results in dental cracks, chips, and fractures that leave teeth more vulnerable to further injury and infection. Replacing lost molars can help your back teeth stay in great shape so you can exert maximum chewing power and enjoy a wide variety of foods for many years to come.
Tooth Loss Diminish the Quality of Your Diet
Chewing is the first stage and a crucial part of the digestive process since it does the important work of pulverizing food and exposing it to the enzymes in saliva, and the back teeth play a particularly critical role in this task. Unfortunately, tooth loss can make chewing thoroughly difficult, which can lead to indigestion or even malnutrition if the person has to give up on enjoying healthy foods that are too difficult to eat.
Replacing a lost molar with a restoration such as a denture, a bridge, or an implant can restore a significant amount of your chewing power so you can enjoy a wider variety of tasty and nutritious foods. While this can considerably enhance the joy of living, it can also help you maintain excellent oral and overall health for life.
Tooth loss can lead to significant consequences even if others cannot see the empty space. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to replace your lost teeth.
About the Author
Dr. Saba K. Abernethy earned her dental degree at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine and completed her dental residency at the VA in Augusta. She is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Society, and the Study Club for Dental Excellence. Her office in Cumberland offers general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry. If you’re interested in replacing your lost teeth, contact her office online or dial (401) 333-2700.