Losing a tooth is never great, especially if it’s at the front of your mouth. A visible gap in your smile can cause embarrassment and feelings of self-doubt. In fact, you’d probably prefer to lose a tooth near the back of your mouth, right? At least then no one will see it. Well, that comes with its own set of problems, some more severe than aesthetics. A dental implant may be the solution.
If you want to learn more about how a lost tooth affects your dental health, continue reading.
Disrupted Tooth Alignment
Your teeth develop so that they fit together like puzzle pieces when you bite down. While a missing molar won’t be immediately missed, over time your teeth may start to shift around the gap. This may cause those adjacent teeth to move out of alignment, causing issues like jaw pain, clenching, and teeth grinding.
Jawbone Deterioration
Your teeth have roots that grow into your jawbone for support. When a tooth is removed, it no longer stimulates the bone underneath. This stimulation is vital for jawbone density as it causes the bone to strengthen itself.
Over time, the density of the jawbone in that area will begin to degrade. This will be slight at first, but if left untreated it could eventually thin the bone until it begins to affect other tissues in the area, leading to loose or damaged teeth. The more teeth you lose, the faster this effect takes place.
How Can a Dental Implant Help?
A dental implant is the perfect way to replace a missing tooth, especially one at the back of your mouth. This is the area where food is usually chewed the most, so the teeth must be strong enough to take the biting force repeatedly.
Dental implants are titanium rods that are surgically inserted into the jawbone. Firstly, this acts as an artificial root, stopping the deterioration of the bone. Secondly, it provides a sturdy replacement that can not only take chewing forces but can also stop the shifting of adjacent teeth. Dental implants will solve every issue with missing teeth from function to form.
So, if you’ve lost a tooth, whether it be at the front of your mouth or the back, you’ll benefit from a dental implant. Talk to your dentist and schedule a consultation if you’re still unsure. They’ll be able to offer more guidance based on your smile goals.
About the Practice
Dr. Ira Newman and Dr. Puglisi are your kind and caring dental experts at Gramercy Dental Studio. Their lifelong pursuit of knowledge combined with their attitudes of service and compassion make them one of the best practices in New York. They use the latest dental technology and techniques to customize your treatment to fit your needs. Call (212) 924-6890 to schedule a dental implant consultation, or visit the website to book online.
