There are many reasons why you should consider dental implants. A missing tooth can present far more harm to your mouth than you think. Not only can a dental implant make you look better, but it can also keep you from having further issues that worsen your problems. Even one missing tooth can worsen oral health issues.
Missing Teeth Can Lead to Jaw and Gum Loss
When a tooth is missing in the mouth, it can present difficulties for the surrounding areas. For example, there may be further tooth loss in adjacent areas because of decay and rampant oral health issues that are being left unaddressed. These situations do not improve over time, and you will likely need more extensive treatment if you delay a procedure such as dental implants.
Until you receive a dental implant, you are vulnerable to losing a critical jawbone. Being exposed and attracting bacteria can lead to deterioration in the bone. Then, it may be more difficult to receive implants in the future. If your jaw worsens, you may need a more complicated procedure to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants stabilize your mouth and prevent any further bone loss.
In addition to being at risk for bone loss, a missing tooth would also impact your gums. You can also lose the gums you need to support teeth, which do not regenerate once they die. If you lose too much gum, you may need additional procedures before being a candidate for a dental implant.
You Can Keep Existing Teeth in Place
If there is a gap or missing teeth, your existing teeth may shift out of position. If there is a gap in your mouth, your existing teeth will naturally shift to try to fill the gap. This can impact your smile and imperil the teeth when they move out of place. Dental implants fill the gap and keep other teeth in place, maintaining the Integrity of your smile and protecting the teeth.
In addition, your remaining teeth are in danger of decay and cavities because of the bacteria filling your mouth’s empty space. You may be less likely to develop cavities when you fill the gap with a dental implant. Untreated dental plaque can cause problems such as tooth loss and gum disease.
Further, when you are missing teeth, your existing teeth will need to bear more of the burden of chewing when eating. This can lead to damage to the teeth and decay. Dental implants can function like natural teeth when chewing your food, relieving the pressure on your other teeth. It will be easier for you to eat, and chewing food will not imperil your other teeth.
There are reasons beyond just improving your smile where dental implants may make sense. A surgeon can explain the benefits when you see them for an initial consultation after they have performed a complete examination of your mouth.
Contact a South Jersey Oral Surgeon at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons About Your Options
A South Jersey oral surgeon at Lanzi Burke Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons can help restore your smile and improve your oral health. The first step is to call us today at 856-582-4222 or contact us online to schedule an in-office visit with one of our surgeons. We have offices in Washington Township, Haddonfield, and Woolwich Township, New Jersey, and we treat patients who reside in South Jersey. Make the call today so you can begin to address critical issues with your oral health.