The Psychological Effects of Tooth Loss

According to the American College of Prosthodontists, it’s estimated that 178 million Americans are missing at least a single tooth. If you can feel your missing teeth in Dallas slowly wearing away at your confidence, it’s time to make a change. Many people don’t realize that restorative dentistry offers more benefits than just cosmetic ones. In fact, with a completed and fully functioning smile, you may be able to avoid these common psychological effects that tooth loss can have on you.

How Tooth Loss Impacts Self-Confidence

Your smile is often the first trait that people notice about you, and for some people, that moment can set the tone for the rest of the time you know them. Studies have shown that smiles are one of the most memorable characteristics that someone will remember about you as well. Your smile is a part of your identity and how you interact with others, which is why it can be so hard to have missing teeth.

Tooth loss commonly causes people to slowly loss their confidence and self-esteem over time, ultimately impacting the way you interact with others at work and in other social settings.

The Social Implications of Missing Teeth

There’s a social stigma with tooth loss that can change how you interact with others on a daily basis. In a study conducted by the American Dental Association, 86 percent of 20,000 dentists who were surveyed said that one of the major consequences of tooth loss for patients is facing social embarrassment. The dentists also reported that patients who were missing teeth were less likely to have social interactions than patients who had complete smiles.

Many people feel stigmatized by having gaps in their smile because they’re often associated with having a low income or poor hygiene, despite the fact that missing teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. This is something that needs to change socially, but unfortunately, it still has a drastic impact on people’s social lives. 

The Emotional Stages of Lost Teeth

Losing a tooth, whether due to dental trauma or an ongoing oral health problem, can be a traumatic experience, because it ultimately changes your appearance. Some patients have associated this experience with being a similar emotional situation to losing a close friend or family member. There are a few emotional stages of losing a tooth, including:

• Denial of experiencing a problem, or trying to ignore the situation.
• Anger towards yourself of others.
• Depression due to lowered self-confidence.
• Acceptance that this situation is real and you need to find a solution.

Once you reach the acceptance stage, you will likely begin looking for new ways to replace your teeth. Fortunately for you, your dentist in Dallas offers a variety of tooth-replacement solutions that are customized to look completely natural and fit your unique needs!

About the Author

Dr. Aom Arrechea has years of experience in dentistry and is passionate about helping boost his patients’ confidence by helping them regain a functional and complete smile. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and offers a variety of advanced restorative treatments, such as dental implants, bridges, and dentures. To learn more about how he can rebuild your smile or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 214-233-9460.