I have lost a number of posterior teeth over the years, but do not miss them functionally or esthetically. What’s the problem?
Posterior teeth are strong and multi-rooted for use chewing food thoroughly, the first step in the digestive process. When some or all of these teeth are not present, patients will use their front teeth (incisors) to chew their food before swallowing. Front teeth are weaker (single rooted) and not meant for excessive chewing. (I.e. They bite into the apple, not chew it.) Results – front teeth begin to move, wear, and many times loosen over time. Worse yet, since food cannot be chewed well with only front teeth, digestive problems may follow. Oral health is part of overall health.
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