Joseph R. Schmidbauer DDS

Tooth loss is often dismissed as a minor issue, especially if it’s just one tooth. But dentistry and medical research show a very different reality. The mouth functions as a connected system where every tooth supports the balance of chewing, speech, and jaw health. Losing even one disrupts this delicate harmony.

When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth begin to drift into the empty space. This shifting alters the way the upper and lower teeth meet, disturbing bite alignment. Over time, misalignment can lead to uneven wear, jaw joint strain (TMJ issues), and difficulty chewing certain foods. Patients may also notice changes in facial aesthetics as teeth tilt or move forward.

Beyond the visible effects, the jawbone beneath the missing tooth begins to shrink — a process called bone resorption. Without the natural stimulation that teeth provide during chewing, the bone loses density and volume. This not only weakens the foundation for surrounding teeth but also makes future treatments like implants more complex and expensive.

The key message is prevention and timely replacement. Options such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures help preserve both function and bone health. Protecting every tooth is not just about a perfect smile — it’s about maintaining bite balance, jaw strength, and overall oral stability for life.
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical advice or diagnosis.

🧠🦷 **Your Mouth & Mind Are Connected!** 🦷🧠
Did you know? The bacteria that cause gum disease are also linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, especially vascular dementia. Inflammation and infections in the mouth may play a bigger role in brain health than we ever imagined.

This Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Education Week, take action by learning how oral health impacts cognitive function. Download our FREE e-Book to explore the science behind the oral-brain connection and steps you can take for prevention.

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Source: Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

Have a Love "Filled" Day!

May 1st, 2020
This marks the day that the State of Ohio is allowing dental offices across Ohio May reopen.

Our office will not reopen on this day. Since being given word earlier this week, we’ve been training as an office staff to be ready to apply the new protocols to our office. We are making changes to the physical structure of the office to ready for reopening. We’ve ordered all of the appropriate personal protective equipment. It has not and will not arrive until next week. Some areas of the office will have a slow reopening next week, and as our suppliers work to fill our orders, we’ll continue to reopen until we are fully open about 2 weeks from now!

We apologize for the delay. We will continue emergency treatment as the reopening occurs. We are excited to see you all soon; we appreciate your patience and understanding!!

Dr Joe and Staff

Per the ADA guidelines, our office is still closed for non essential procedures. We are still available Monday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, for emergencies only. We are currently working hard to text and call patients to reschedule upcoming appointments.

We want to ensure you that our office will implement new protocols for the safety of our staff and patients. When the emergency order was put into effect in mid-March, a portion of our personal protective equipment was donated where needed. We are working to restock and add the materials that will be necessary to adhere to the new safety protocols. These changes are being prepared to insure safety for both our patients and office staff. We will be reaching out to patients to schedule under the new guidelines.

Thank you for being patient with us and we hope you are staying healthy and keep on smiling! We can’t wait to see you soon!!

Dr. Joe and Staff