If you’ve lost one of your back teeth, you may be thinking, “It’s okay – no one can see it anyway.” But there is more for you to be concerned with than smile aesthetics. Living with any of your teeth missing for a prolonged period of time can lead to some serious problems, but why? You’ll find out as you continue reading, and you’ll also discover why dental implants are the perfect solution!
The Problem with Missing Teeth
Your teeth rely on each other to maintain a healthy degree of tension. When even one tooth is left missing, the lost resistance can lead to two major issues:
Teeth Shifting
The teeth on either side of the vacated space can begin to lean in search of the lost tension. To further complicate matters, a missing tooth along the bottom row can cause the opposing tooth to extend beyond the gum line. Both issues can result in malocclusion (bite problems). This can also leave the gums susceptible to a bacterial infection.
Diminished Jawbone Density
By attaching to your jawbone, the roots of your teeth help to stimulate new bone generation. When there is an interruption in this natural relationship, new bone growth can stop, and the jawbone density can diminish. As a result, you can suffer facial collapse and be susceptible to further tooth loss.
How a Dental Implant Can Help Out
A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically inserted into your jawbone. It’s considered to be the gold standard of tooth replacement because its attachment beneath the gum line. The implant is secured by your existing bone mass naturally fusing with the fixture through a process called osseointegration.
The Specific Benefits of Dental Implant Placement
If you choose to take the dental implant route to replace your missing tooth, here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll have a natural-looking and appealing smile.
- You can regain up to 95% of your original chewing power.
- With proper care, a dental implant can last up to a lifetime.
- Your tooth will be completely replaced, from the root to the crown.
- It doesn’t require any changes or damage to your surrounding teeth.
- You’ll never have to worry about an appliance slipping or irritating your gums.
One of the keys to successful dental implant placement is to act swiftly, as it will give you a better chance of qualifying for the procedure. When you visit your local implant dentist, he or she will perform a careful assessment to make sure you have adequate jawbone density, and healthy gums and surrounding teeth. Therefore, you can rest assured that nothing will prevent you from having your functionality and smile fully restored!
About the Author
Dr. Brett Noorda earned his dental degree from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry. A passionate professional who is committed to excellence, he has taken over 750 hours of additional postgraduate education, with implant dentistry as one of the areas of emphasis. Dr. Noorda helps his patients regain the lives they once had by replacing their missing teeth with dental implants at Dental Excellence, and he can be reached for more information through his website.