Missing Teeth – Here’s Why You Need to Replace Them!

Have you been living without a full set of teeth? If so, then you may be feeling less confident about smiling and speaking before a group of people. However, there are even greater threats that you could face. You’ll find out about them as you continue reading, and how having your missing teeth replaced with dental implants will help to prevent these issues and restore the lifestyle you once knew!

The Problem with Prolonged Tooth Loss

Even if just one tooth is missing for a prolonged period of time, it interrupts the natural symbiotic relationship between your teeth and jawbone. Here are two major problems that can arise:

Teeth Shifting

The teeth on either side of the vacated space can begin to shift in a quest to reestablish the missing tension. To make matters worse, if teeth are missing along the bottom row, the opposing ivories can begin to move away from the gums. Not only can this cause malocclusion (bite issues), but it can leave the gums vulnerable to oral bacteria entering and causing an infection.

Diminished Jawbone Density

Each tooth’s root applies a healthy degree of tension at the jawbone level. This helps to trigger the continued production of new bone cells, something that is necessary to maintain the integrity of your jawbone and support your facial structure. Over time, the absence of any number of teeth can lead to diminished jawbone density, which can leave the other teeth vulnerable to dislodging.

Dental Implant Insertion – The Solution to the Problem

Made from high grade titanium, dental implants are cylinder shaped posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to mimic the function of a tooth’s root. It’s a unique form of tooth replacement in that it’s the only version that doesn’t rest above the gum line. Instead, the fixture is secured through a process called osseointegration, which involves it fusing with the existing bone mass. With a dental implant, an entire tooth can be replaced from the root to the crown.

The Benefits of Dental Implant Insertion

Here are some specific advantages of dental implant placement:

• It creates a natural-looking and attractive smile.
• It doesn’t require any alterations to the surrounding teeth.
• You can possibly regain up to 95% of your original chewing capacity.
• By being attached at the jawbone level, it stimulates new bone cell generation.
• You’ll never have to worry about an appliance slipping or falling out your mouth.

Before having dental implants placed, you’ll need to visit a local dentist to be thoroughly examined for any dental health issues and to make sure you have adequate jawbone density. Then, you can launch your quest for a renewed and functional smile with dental implants!

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Crowley is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. After earning his dental degree, he went on to complete the AEGD residency program at OU, during which time he gained valuable experience in placing and restoring dental implants. Throughout his career, Dr. Crowley has remained an avid learner, taking numerous hours of continuous education courses. He understands how important it is to maintain each of your teeth, which is why he places dental implants at Bluff Creek Dental. He can be reached for more information through his website.