If you have tooth loss, the gums and adjacent teeth will respond accordingly. Therefore, to keep your bite in alignment and maintain the health of your gums, it is important to fill up the space where you lose a tooth. The following information details what happens when an adult tooth is lost.
What Do the Gums Do When a Tooth Is Missing?
To understand what happens to the gums when a tooth is missing, you need to understand the function of the gums. Gum tissues are designed to secure the teeth by forming a protective seal around them. If a tooth is missing, the gum does not have anything to wrap itself around, so it shrinks back and becomes thinner. When this happens, the adjacent teeth can be affected. The gums against the teeth may recede, which exposes more of the surface of the tooth, including the roots. As a result, the risk for decay increases and so does dental sensitivity.
What Else Happens When a Tooth Is Missing?
Besides affecting the gum tissue, a missing tooth, if not replaced, can also cause the other teeth to shift. When this happens, your bite can be affected, as an adjacent tooth may take up the space of the former tooth. This can affect your alignment as well as your temporomandibular joint, which can lead to problems with TMJ. Therefore, you need to replace a missing tooth to avoid gum shrinkage or any problems with tooth shifting or jaw soreness.
If you have a missing tooth or teeth or gum problems, give us a call to schedule a comprehensive periodontal exam (CPE). To reduce your risk of tooth loss, contact us for an evaluation. Be proactive about your periodontal care so you can maintain the health of your gums and teeth. We can easily schedule an appointment for you that you can fit in with your work schedule or daily routine.
