That missing tooth could be affecting more than your smile. According to Hawaii’s premiere cosmetic dentist, missing teeth can cause other problems that you may not be aware of.
Dr. Wynn Okuda has been recognized with an accredited fellowship with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and an expert when it comes to Cosmetic Dentistry. The AACD is the largest organization of its kind in the world with almost 7,000 members.
Dr. Okuda explains that for every missing tooth that you have you will lose nearly 10 percent of your chewing ability.
When a tooth is lost, it decreases its efficiency. When you lose a tooth, it can place stress on your other teeth. If you have lost your ability to chew, you may swallow food that has not been properly digested. This could lead to both stomach and digestive problems. Missing teeth may also mean that you cannot enjoy some of your favorite foods because you just cannot chew them anymore.
Other problems can also occur if you have missing teeth. If you have a lower tooth that has been extracted, the opposing tooth on the top will grow longer to fill the gap left by the missing tooth. Known as superuption or extrusion the teeth on the opposing side can tilt or move out of place drifting into the space that was left by your missing tooth. This makes it harder to brush and floss leaving your teeth prone to gum disease and tooth decay.
People who have multiple teeth missing could suffer from a collapsed bite along with a loss of the vertical dimension. This means that the distance between the tip of your nose and your chin will decrease making your face appear shorter.
Thankfully, you do not have to put up with a missing tooth or missing teeth. Dental Implants are always the first choice when it comes to tooth replacement, and that is where Dr. Wynn Okuda comes in. As an expert in Cosmetic Dentistry, he can advise you on the best procedure for your particular situation. Dr. Okuda recommends that you have your missing tooth replaced as quickly as possible to avoid any problems.
If you would like more information regarding Dental Implants and tooth replacement call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Okuda today.