Some estimates report that as many as 178 million Americans have lost at least one tooth. While there are options for replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants, many people choose to live with a gap. This comes with many dangers you need to be cognizant of.
- Deterioration of Jawbone
When you chew food, the roots of your teeth stimulate jawbone tissue. When you lose a tooth, that area of the jawbone no longer gets stimulated. Since it is no longer being used, the body will resorb the tissue, causing the jawbone to shrink over time. In as little as one year, you can lose up to 25 percent of that jawbone section’s density. Implants function as replacement roots, so you can retain a healthy jawbone.
- Shifting Teeth
Your teeth may be perfectly straight now, but after losing a tooth, your other teeth may start to shift. The remaining teeth will attempt to fill the void. This causes problems because it will become exceptionally harder to clean the entire surface area of the tooth. Food particles can get caught in hard-to-reach spaces, increasing the likelihood of developing an infection.
- Reduced Self-Confidence
Above all else, many people become self-conscious of their smiles when they lose a tooth. Instead of replacing the tooth, they simply avoid smiling as much as possible. They keep their mouths closed during pictures. They may cover their mouths when they want to laugh. You deserve to smile big and wide whenever you want, so if for nothing else, you should replace missing teeth for that purpose.
Call Us To Reap the Rewards of Dental Implants
Our periodontist offers implants to prevent your other teeth from shifting and to enhance your confidence. Dr. Gregory A. Toback at Shoreline Periodontics & Dental Implants has provided many patients with this excellent treatment, and you can be next. As soon as you lose a tooth, you need to give us a call.
