Adults with missing teeth may wonder if it is really necessary to replace lost teeth. Research indicates that 74 per cent of adults in Britain have lost at least one tooth. This may not seem like a major concern to many, but dentists know well the negative impact tooth loss can have on dental and physical health as well as psychologically.

The true value of teeth is unfortunately only acknowledged when they are lost and suitable missing teeth replacement solutions like dental implants Richmond have to be considered. Leaving empty sockets in the dental arch is never a good idea as there are plenty of risks associated with tooth loss.

What are the dangers of missing teeth?

Seeing that the primary role of teeth is their masticatory function, the first danger of losing teeth is that of nutritional deficiency. Without a full set of teeth, it is quite a challenge to bite and chew properly. We depend on a proper masticatory function to grind food down into small enough proportions to make food easily digestible.

The inability to feed the body the nutrients it needs increases the risk of malnutrition. Health experts consider malnutrition a serious concern as the condition is linked to numerous unwanted consequences including slow wound healing, increased risk of infection and illness and loss of muscle strength. Malnutrition can be incredibly debilitating and may lead to loss of independence.

Oral health is another top concern for dentists. The presence of teeth in the dental arch does much for dental health with both gums and jawbone benefitting from healthy teeth. It may come as a surprise to hear that having teeth missing can contribute to poor oral hygiene control.

When teeth are lost, awkward spaces are created in the mouth, making it hard to keep on top of bad bacteria. The longer bad bacteria remain in control in the mouth, the increased likelihood of one developing gum disease. Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss.

The presence of tooth roots is important for jawbone density. These roots provide the stimulus needed for the jawbone to keep growing. When these roots are lost to teeth falling out or extraction, the jawbone loses its stimulus to grow and over time, the bone begins to recede.

An incomplete dental arch presents another danger to oral health. Teeth that fall out leave open gaps that encourage the teeth on either side to shift out of position. In this way, losing teeth and not replacing them can create needless orthodontic issues.

To minimize the risks associated with it, many individuals who suffer from major tooth loss may opt for full arch restorations. Taking this approach enables patients to enjoy a better quality of life as it could prevent jawbone loss, and compensate with a hard and stable solution, which enhances facial balance.

However, it is not just physical discomfort and inconvenience tooth-loss patients suffer from. Patients may be most concerned with the aesthetics of their smile when they lose teeth and rightly so. One needs an attractive smile to have a healthy dose of confidence. Confidence is the main factor that dramatically improves one’s chances of benefitting from rewarding opportunities like getting hired and finding a life partner.

Fortunately, with the range of dental devices available to replace missing teeth, all is not lost for those who lose natural teeth. Missing teeth replacement devices can restore vital dental function.