Having a gap in your smile can be a source of self-consciousness. If it’s a missing tooth that’s in the front, then replacing it can give you back a full grin. However, if one is toward the back, then you might not worry about it as much. No one can really see it after all! Although that may be true, getting dental implants as a reliable treatment can prove to be fruitful. Keep reading to learn three reasons why.
1.) Preserves Your Jawbone Density
Missing teeth can do more than be a cosmetic issue. In fact, it’s often associated with jawbone loss. The roots of your teeth stimulate your jaw through the daily pressure of biting and chewing. It gets sent down, and your body knows to continue supporting it with the nutrients it needs.
When you have missing teeth, that stimulation goes away. Your jawbone will start to get reabsorbed, and those minerals will get used elsewhere. This is a natural process, but dental implants help prevent this by keeping it strong! These are posts that are fused into your jaw, acting like natural tooth roots.
2.) Protects Your Other Teeth
As you eat, you may notice that you have a little extra trouble breaking down your food. You need to spend a bit more time chewing, but this is more than an inconvenience. That extra pressure and workload are being placed on your other molars. This may lead to them becoming worn down faster, even increasing your risk of chips, cracks, and decay.
Getting a tooth replacement option can help redistribute the pressure from each bite. That way, you can keep your smile stronger for longer.
3.) Prevents Nearby Teeth from Drifting
With an empty space in your grin, you may notice some shifting eventually. Your teeth use each other to stay in their alignment, but when one goes missing, they can drift. They try to close the gap, whether that’s from becoming crooked to overeruption of the tooth opposite it. Thankfully, dental implants can keep your chompers in check!
While you may not be able to immediately see a missing back tooth, getting it replaced can prove to be beneficial for you. It can ensure your oral health stays strong while getting you back to comfortable eating. Dental implants are a reliable solution that can withstand daily chewing while being able to last for a lifetime, but there are a couple of other options you can consider.
About the Practice
At Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Muskegon, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your smile. We are happy to help the community get a full set of teeth that helps them feel better, no matter if it’s with dental implants or another option. Whether it’s a front or back one, you can trust that your results look and feel natural. If you had experienced tooth loss and want to replace it, schedule an appointment or call our office at (231) 563-6878.