Do you have a gap in your smile from a missing tooth? You are not alone! According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. While not having all your pearly whites may make it harder to take advantage of new opportunities, that is not the only reason to consider restoring your smile. Here are 4 ways missing teeth can negatively affect your health, and why you should consider dental implants as a restorative solution.
Why Is It Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
Here are 4 potential negative consequences of not replacing missing teeth:
#1: Bone Loss
Although you cannot see them in the mirror, teeth have roots that support and securely anchor them in the jawbone. Tooth roots also stimulate the jawbone, keeping it thick and strong. When teeth go missing, the jawbone can slowly deteriorate without stimulation. Jawbone deterioration can make your face look sunken and aged.
#2: Shifting Teeth
Although your teeth may seem solidly in place, they can gradually shift over time. If you have a gap in your smile from a missing tooth, adjacent teeth may slowly drift into the space. This movement, known as dental drift, can cause bite problems and make it harder to clean your teeth properly.
#3: Difficulty Eating
Teeth help us consume the different foods that make up a balanced diet. For example, front teeth tear or break off bites of food, like pieces of bread or a bite of an apple. Back molars, meanwhile, grind tough foods like meat. Missing teeth can make it much harder to maintain a balanced diet.
#4: Speech Problems
Along with the lips and tongue, teeth play an important role in forming words. Without all your teeth, you may accidentally slur, whistle, or even spit when talking with others. This could lead to some majorly embarrassing moments!
How Can You Replace a Missing Tooth?
Fortunately, you can avoid these undesirable scenarios by replacing your missing tooth with a bridge, dentures, or dental implants.
Fixed dental bridges replace consecutive missing teeth by anchoring the restoration to adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. A dental bridge consists of two dental crowns and artificial teeth that come together to fill the space in your smile. This makes it easier for you to eat a varied diet and speak clearly instead of slurring your words. The best part is that a bridge can last up to a decade or more, but you must take proper care of it if you want it to last as long as possible.
Dentures are another option that continue to stand the test of time. They can replace multiple teeth or entire arches and are made from highly durable materials like acrylic, resin, and porcelain. Dentists customize these prosthetics for comfort and a better fit, so you can worry less about accidental slippage while eating and speaking.
While dentures and dental bridges are still widely used by patients with tooth loss, dental implant treatment is fast becoming the most popular way to replace missing teeth, and it is easy to see why!
Dental implants are small but incredibly strong titanium posts surgically inserted into the jawbone, and they are the only way to replace both the tooth root structure and the visible portion of a missing tooth. Dental implants look natural, provide maximum support for a dental crown or other dental prosthetics, and can last for decades with proper care.
No other tooth replacement solution offers full restoration that looks and feels as lifelike as natural teeth. These prosthetics restore most of your bite force, continue to stimulate your jawbone, and offer superior durability that can last decades or even a lifetime, making them the gold standard for dentists and patients alike. Restore your smile to improve your looks and your health, and maybe even get that promotion at work! Talk to your dentist today to get started.
About the Practice
Men and women in Phoenix know they can turn to Bell Road Dental Care’s implant specialists to restore their smiles. Using the latest dental implant technology, our expert team can complete every step of implant treatment, including placement, under one roof. We even offer a dental implant special that includes the implant, abutment, and crown for one low price. Learn more at Bell Road Dental Care’s website or by calling 602-786-7412.