Missing teeth certainly aren’t aesthetically pleasing in a smile, but it’s unhealthy to leave these gaps in your mouth. Missing teeth can lead to the breakdown of your jaw, compromise the integrity of the rest of your teeth, and make you look older than you actually are because of the sunken-in appearance your face will develop. It doesn’t matter if the tooth you’re missing is a molar that “no one will ever notice.” Replacing teeth that are absent from your smile allows you to maintain good oral health.
Time for a smile makeover: 3 ways teeth change as you age >>
Reasons for Missing Teeth
A patient may be missing teeth for any number of reasons. Perhaps you were in an accident or had a fall and lost a tooth or teeth in the process. Maybe you developed gum disease or an infection of the tooth and lost the tooth or needed to have it pulled because the tooth could not be saved. A severely damaged tooth is often better off being pulled rather than attempting to repair it.
No matter the reason for your missing tooth, the important takeaway is this: You must replace that missing tooth. And dental implants are one of the best restorative dentistry procedures to solve this problem.
Prepless veneers: The cosmetic dentistry solution you’ve been waiting for >>
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Of course, there are options other than dental implants that can take the place of a tooth that has been lost or pulled. Missing teeth can be replaced with a tooth-supported bridge or a removable partial denture. For people who are seeking permanence, however, and absolutely no ambiguity about the solidity of their tooth repair, dental implants are the right choice.
Dental implants are rooted in your jaw so that any worries you may have about less-than-secure dentures are eliminated. Plus, dental implants feel completely normal while restoring your teeth to full functionality. You’ll be able to eat whatever you want – no matter how chewy or crunchy – and speak with confidence.
Once the actual implant is in place, it is topped with a prosthetic tooth that looks just like your natural teeth. This repair will blend right into your smile. You’ll no longer be self-conscious about the holes in your smile when you opt for dental implants, and you can be assured that you’ll be able to enjoy the full benefits of a strong, healthy smile.
Your missing teeth are aging you: Reverse the problem with dental implants >>
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are designed to actually replace the missing root of your tooth. When a tooth is missing from your jaw, that’s where the jaw is compromised and can fall in on itself. The root stimulates your jawbone, enabling it to work as intended. The root replacement is typically made of metal and is screwed directly into your jaw so that it stays put. Your dental implants aren’t going anywhere once they’ve been put in place, and that kind of security is hard to beat.
Find out whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Visit Dr. John Moore for personalized recommendations about your customized smile makeover.