Most individuals are self-conscious about a missing tooth in the front of their mouth. You can argue that it’s not fair, but a gaping hole in a smile has negative connotations for adults in most social circles. And a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as adorable as it did when you were in elementary school. A person who loses a front tooth usually makes a plan for a dental restoration as soon as possible. Furthermore, few dental patients forego a temporary denture while awaiting a permanent restoration.
When an individual loses a back tooth, on the other hand, they are more likely to leave the gap. “You can’t really see it when I smile, right?” If the tooth had been hurting before the extraction, sometimes they are so relieved that the pain is gone, they consider the extraction the final answer. This attitude is unfortunate. The purpose of this message is to dispel the myth that a missing tooth has no consequences.
Bone Recession
Since we can’t see the bone that anchors our tooth roots, we don’t often consider its condition. The health of our jawbone plays an essential role in overall oral health. When a tooth is extracted, the bone at the extraction site shrinks and recedes over time. Since a dental implant replaces the tooth root as well as the visible part, it maintains the health of the bone. In so doing, it also protects the bone for the adjacent teeth. The jawbone is the foundation of the lower face. If it shrinks and recedes, everything that sits on top of it will follow suit. A person with bone recession will eventually get that sunken in look that can make them look a lot older than they really are. A tooth implant, unlike a dental bridge, preserves the framework of the face.
Shifting Teeth
Another vulnerability is shifting teeth. If teeth adjacent to the extraction site start moving, it can trigger a domino effect. The unopposed tooth on the opposite arch can also move, though it typically moves outward from the bone. In addition to aesthetic considerations, teeth that are displaced in jeopardy of gum disease, decay, TMJ pain, or bite issues. There will also be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions, compromising their strength as well.
A Smart Investment In Oral Health
Investing in a tooth implant could be far less pricey than treating the dental problems mentioned previously. If you have a missing tooth and want to learn about tooth implants, call Cary Family Dental at 919-371-4428 to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff and comfortable facility put our patients at ease. We also offer services such as porcelain veneers, crowns, and invisible braces.
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1149 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
