The reason you need a replacement option (dental implants, implant-supported bridge, or dentures) is that missing teeth will affect your smile and your ability to chew, as well as contribute to other potential issues. In fact, many people do not realize how important your teeth are for your overall health. For example, a missing tooth may shift your tooth alignment, result in a bad bite, and weaken the structural integrity of your gums and jaw.
If you’ve ever lost a tooth and thought, “It’s just a tooth, it doesn’t matter.” It’s time for you to rethink your assumptions. The first thing your dentist should say to you (or you should ask) is: “What are we going to do to replace it?”
The reason you need a replacement option (dental implants, implant-supported bridge, or dentures) is that missing teeth will affect your smile and your ability to chew, as well as contribute to other potential issues. In fact, many people do not realize how important your teeth are for your overall health. For example, a missing tooth may shift your tooth alignment, result in a bad bite, and weaken the structural integrity of your gums and jaw.
Implants are a good option in the right circumstances because they can be the most efficient and long-lasting solution. Not replacing the tooth will increase the chance of bone loss as well as the chances of losing more teeth.
When talking with patients who have experienced tooth loss, your dentist may use models to show what exactly happens when a tooth is missing, as well as diagnostic tools to help people see what changes will occur over time—including shifting teeth and increased bone loss.
These pictures and models are a key to helping patients see what changes are ahead. For
example, no tooth means that the jaw bone is no longer stimulated in that area. So, over time, the bone will start to dissolve. As well as with a higher risk of losing additional teeth, muscle mass will also start to disintegrate.
In cases where there is bone loss, your dentist will work with you and provide options.
What causes tooth loss
Periodontal (Gum) disease, tooth decay, trauma, and oral disease are big reasons that people lose teeth. Other reasons include tooth grinding, smoking, and age. Medications also are another reason. In fact, there have been studies that show a link between bone loss and taking anti-depressants (SSRIs), with brand names such as Prozac and Paxil.
Benefits of replacing a lost tooth
Your smile is your lead—and gives you confidence when meeting and/or talking with people. Having a good smile will improve self-esteem issues and help you put your best self forward. Equally important, your oral health will improve, as well as your overall health.
Take Action Early
If you have a loose tooth, go to your dentist immediately. If the tooth cannot be saved, statistics show that the best time to place an implant is at the same time the tooth falls out. This also reduced the risks of damaging surrounding tissues in the area.
Most importantly, make sure to call your dentist as quickly as possible to ensure that you have the best outcome.
Take action today! Find a dental implant expert near you with our Find-A-Dentist tool.
After graduating from Howard University in 1983, Dr. Kelly worked as an Academic Reinforcement Instructor at Howard University. Dr. Kelly then moved to California, became board-certified, and joined a group practice. He eventually opened his own practice in Playa Del Rey, California. He then moved to North Carolina to focus on oral implantology and family and cosmetic dentistry. Since arriving in North Carolina, Dr. Kelly has served as a Deputy Examiner for the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. He also donates several hours of his time per month to free dental clinics in the Piedmont Triad Area. Dr. Kelly is a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology in Implant Dentistry. Dr. Kelly has served as an examiner for the American Board of Oral Implantology and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., is an avid learner, and strives to stay well informed of all new techniques and developments in his beloved profession.
