Losing one of your teeth can be embarrassing, but also cause major problems for the health and function of your smile. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist will explain what happens to our smiles following tooth loss, and how dental implants can help prevent these complications.
The Immediate Changes
When you have a gap in your smile, this could cause surrounding teeth to drift from position. As a result, your smile could become crooked, with crowded and overlapping teeth. Misalignment alone leads to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease, as thoroughly brushing and flossing is more difficult and food can remain trapped between teeth. The gap in your smile could lead to pressure on your jaw joints. Over time, the pressure could mean the onset of TMJ disorder or even bruxism (persistent teeth grinding), two very different, but related, jaw joint disorders linked to headaches, migraines, jaw pain, and even chipped or cracked teeth. Damaged teeth may mean the onset of tooth decay and infection!
Long-Term Consequences
The body will take note of the missing teeth, and in response, stop sending doses of calcium and phosphorus to the jawbone around the missing teeth. Without these nutrients, the bone tissue loses mass and density. These changes could mean further tooth loss for some, and eventually, an aged appearance as facial structure collapses, causing sunken cheeks and ptotic chins. At this point, you could also have trouble eating your favorite foods, depriving yourself of essential nutrients. You may also experience difficulty speaking clearly, with impacts your social life.
Addressing the Issue with Implant Dentistry
Fortunately, with dental implants we have the ability to counter and prevent these common complications. We insert a dental implant post into the jawbone, where it bonds with the jawbone through a process known as osseointegration. We then add an abutment and attach a crown or prosthetic, such a bridge or denture. By filling the gap, we prevent misalignment and strain on the jaw joints. Osseointegration then prevents the loss of jawbone density, so you preserve your youthful features and avoid further tooth loss. If you have any questions about tackling tooth loss, or about implant dentistry, then contact our team today.
We’re Here to Help You Enjoy a Complete Smile
Don’t let missing teeth cause problems for your smile’s beauty, health, and function. To learn more about the process of restoring missing teeth with lifelike dental implants, then call James Stewart, DDS, dental implant office in Livonia, MI, at (734) 425-4400. We also serve the residents of Farmington, Plymouth, Dearborn Heights, and all surrounding communities.