Losing teeth in adulthood is life changing. Patients with missing teeth tend to suffer from a number of problems associated with oral function. In addition to difficultly eating and speaking, those missing teeth typically develop social anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem. Since tooth loss has such far reaching effects on emotional, physical, and oral health, it is important for patients to evaluate their tooth replacement options as soon as possible. If you have suffered from tooth loss, our dentist can help you regain oral function and confidence with dental implants.
How Tooth Loss Affects Oral Health
Just losing one tooth increases your risk for a number of oral health complications. Oral structures work as a whole to facilitate mouth movement and many other functions. When one component of this system is damaged or diseased, it will affect all of its components in one form or another. For example, losing a tooth increases your risk for losing more teeth. This is because teeth support one another and when there is an empty tooth socket, neighboring teeth do not have the support they require to stay in their upright positions. With time, teeth will shift or collapse into empty sockets. Additionally, tooth loss will affect bone health. Without a tooth’s roots anchored in the jaw, the bone will begin to atrophy as the body resorbs it. Over time, bone loss can lead to losing more teeth and will alter the shape of the mouth by changing the jaw line. While these are a just a few of the complications associated with tooth loss, they illustrate their profound effects on oral health.
How Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants are permanent replacements for lost teeth. Implants go beneath the surface of the gums to replace a tooth’s roots. The process begins when our dentist inserts a titanium post into the jawbone. Over time, bone will fuse to the post to anchor it permanently in place. This allows the post to prevent bone atrophy, act as a tooth’s roots, and support a tooth-shaped crown. Once the bone has integrated to the post, a permanent, custom-made dental crown is attached to complete a patient’s smile.
Call us today at 214-343-1818 to schedule a tooth replacement consultation.
