Out of Mouth, Out of Mind
  Fall 2008

PhotoMissing a back tooth? Most people don't consider it as important as missing a front tooth. You should be aware, however, that even if a gap in the back isn't visible in your up-front smile, there are very good reasons why you still need to replace any missing back teeth, the sooner, the better.

Your teeth, when all present, keep each other in line. When one is knocked out or lost due to dental decay, there can be some unfortunate consequences, including movement of the remaining teeth, (the resulting gap opens up a space for surrounding teeth to drift out of position, shift, or tip into the empty space and change your bite), pains in your jaw, cavities, gum disease and the potential to lose more teeth.

The posterior teeth have an obvious, important role in chewing. As teeth are lost, you'll be forced to chew in other areas, which sometimes leads to excessive wear or erosion of remaining teeth, tooth fractures from overloading, and painful problems with the temporomandibular joints that unite the lower jaw with the skull.

In addition, as soon as a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone starts to deteriorate. How quickly this happens will depend on the bone's density, your bite and how well your teeth align with each other. In some cases the loss of a back tooth can eventually cause a deterioration in facial appearance due to lower facial height.

Please talk to us about replacements for any missing teeth. Early intervention is paramount. A replacement tooth will keep your other teeth in line and help you avoid the possibility of orthodontic and other dental treatments down the road.

© Market Connections Inc

Office Hours

Mon.: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Tues.: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wed.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thurs.: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Our Location

121 Congressional Lane
Suite 501
Rockville, MD 20852
Conveniently Located
Near the Twinbrook
Metro Station


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