Tooth loss can detract from the appearance of your smile. Most importantly, it can have a significant negative impact on your oral health and quality of life. When tooth loss occurs, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to restore, health, aesthetics, and function. Here, our doctors at Metropolitan Dental Care discuss five reasons why you should choose an implant dentist to replace your missing tooth.
#1: Tooth loss affects your appearance.
When a tooth is missing, the cheeks can develop a “sunken-in” appearance. Additionally, jawbone atrophy is a byproduct of tooth loss. This means that the jawline could change over time. In turn, this can make an individual appear older than they really are.
Furthermore, individuals who are missing teeth often feel self-conscious about their appearance. They cover their mouth when they smile or laugh, and they sometimes avoid social situations altogether. This can have a serious negative impact on self-esteem and confidence.
#2: Missing teeth can cause oral health problems.
Aside from changing your appearance, tooth loss can have a devastating effect on oral health. When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth may start to shift in an attempt to fill in the space left behind. These changes in your bite can cause a host of issues, including pain, bruxism, and temporo-mandibular joint disorder.
#3: Dental implants preserve jawbone density.
Other means of teeth replacement, such as dental bridges and dentures, replace the crowns of missing teeth but do not replace the roots. When teeth are present, the roots stimulate the nerves and send signals to the body that nutrients are needed. In turn, these nutrients keep the bone healthy and strong. When the roots are gone, the jawbone no longer receives these nutrients and bone density is lost. Dental implants serve as prosthetic teeth roots, which stimulate the jaw just as the natural roots did. As a result, bone health is preserved.
#4: Implants are longer-lasting than traditional restorations.
Dentures last about seven to 10 years. Dental bridges have a lifespan of five to 15 years. Both options will need to be replaced at some point. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. So, although implants may cost more up front, they last significantly longer than their traditional counterparts.
While implants themselves can last forever, the restorations connected to them may still need to be replaced at some point. However, due to advanced dental materials, crowns and bridges are lasting much longer than they did in the past. In fact, with the right maintenance, these restorations can last upwards of 20 to 30 years.
#5: You can use dental implants like natural teeth.
Once dental implants are fully healed and restored, you can bite, chew, and function normally – just like you did with natural teeth. This means you can eat all the same foods you once enjoyed. The same cannot always be said for patients with dentures, as these appliances tend to shift or slip when eating or speaking. Implants offer stability that alternative treatments simply cannot deliver.
Dental implants are the most lifelike teeth replacement option available. Those who choose this treatment option can enjoy a fully functional, beautiful smile.
Schedule a Consultation with an Implant Dentist Today
Even a single missing tooth can wreak havoc on your smile and oral health. If you have sustained tooth loss and would like to explore your replacement options, schedule a consultation with an implant dentist at Metropolitan Dental Care. Contact us online anytime or call us at (303) 534-2626.
