You’ve probably heard of dental implants. One of the most effective methods for restoring missing teeth, dental implants are composed of two main components: the titanium implant, and the crown. Made possible by a biological process known as osseointegration, the titanium implant is inserted into the jaw bone and, once inserted, will fuse to muscle tissue and bone, creating a intimate bond between the two that mirrors the functionality of a natural tooth root. Because of this connection, dental implants are safe and effective, carrying with them a 98 percent success rate.
Even though dental implants are the best option for replacing missing teeth, you may have wondered if replacing teeth is really necessary. The truth is that replacing missing teeth can prevent several dental problems from occurring.
Here are four reasons to replace missing teeth.
Teeth Can Shift
Teeth use one another to stay aligned. When one tooth goes missing, especially if the tooth is in the middle of the mouth, the surrounding teeth can weaken and begin to shift. If your parents spent thousands on braces, this could be a big deal aesthetically. More so, this could lead to a change in your bite, potential gum disease and possible tooth decay.
Gum Risks
Structural changes in the mouth can cause major issues for the gums. Healthy gums are supposed to tightly encase the teeth, making them more structurally sound and protecting them from infection. Any changes to the shape of the teeth can make it easier for food and plaque to become trapped in the gums, increasing your chances of gum disease.
Bone Loss
In a normally functioning mouth, teeth are continually stimulating the jaw bone which triggers various cells to regenerate bone density. When teeth are missing, the jaw doesn’t receive the needed stimulation to regenerate, causing a slow deterioration of bone density. This bone loss can weaken the structure of surrounding teeth, and can even cause the cheeks to appear sunken or aged.
Could Worsen TMJ
TMJ disorder is the malfunction of the temporomandibular joint in the jaw caused by repeated stress or other factors. Losing a tooth can cause changes in bite that could add unneeded stress to the jaw, exacerbating TMJ symptoms.
Dental implants have allowed dentist to safely and effectively replace missing teeth. If you’ve recently lost a tooth, the important thing is to act quickly so that you can maintain your beautiful, healthy smile.
If you are in the Westchester County, Mohegan Lake, or Yorktown, New York area and would like to discuss dental implants, please contact our experienced implant dentist Dr. Wanda Mejia at Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake to schedule a consultation.