At Dominion Street Dental in Alliston, we see patients with missing or lost teeth on a near daily basis. Some have lost the teeth years ago, and other times they were recently extracted in our office. While there are many different reasons that an individual may end up with lost teeth, the reasons why replacing lost teeth is important are all the same. Without permanent teeth, individuals will experience compromised oral health, a risk for other health conditions outside of the mouth, and a loss of confidence or self-esteem. There is good news: advanced dental technology allows us to offer options for replacing missing teeth that are strong and natural looking. Dental implants are one of these options.
To learn about replacing missing teeth with dental implants, call Dominion Street Dental at (705) 435-4124.
Small gaps can lead to big problems
It may seem like no big deal to live with a missing tooth, but that one small gap in the smile can lead to much bigger problems over time. If a person is missing multiple teeth, the impact can be even greater. Over time, gaps in the smile can lead to oral health problems that can require extensive restoration. By replacing lost teeth as soon as possible, you can often save time, money, hassle, and pain.
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Problems that may occur as a result of lost teeth
In the absence of a natural tooth or dental implant, the following issues can develop:
- Tooth Shifting – When there is a missing tooth and root in the arch, neighboring teeth will begin to shift into the open space, creating problems with alignment. As this occurs, what once was a straight smile can become a crooked smile rather quickly. When dental implants are placed soon after a tooth is lost, it prevents this type of shifting and problems with alignment.
- TMJ – As a result of shifting and alignment problems, individuals may soon begin to develop problems within the bite. When this happens, the jaw can become affected as the upper and lower jaws no longer connect properly. Stress on the jaw can lead to chronic symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, tooth grinding, and earaches.
- Decay or gum disease – When teeth are crooked, proper oral hygiene can become more difficult. Plaque and bacteria can become trapped in between teeth, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease and in many cases, additional tooth loss.
- Alteration in face shape – Your jaw and teeth play an important role in the shape of your face. When a tooth is missing, there is no root to stimulate the jaw bone. Over time, the jawbone will deteriorate, which alters the shape of the face, making you appear much older. Dental implants replace the missing tooth root so that the face retains its shape.
Dental Implants – the permanent solution to tooth loss
Dental implants are the closest tooth restoration to normal teeth. With this restoration, a tiny post is placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. As the bone heals around the post, they become fused together to create a stable foundation for a dental prosthetic. Dental implants can be used when a person is missing a single tooth or an entire arch of teeth.
Benefits of dental implants:
- Natural looking – Unlike dentures that sit on top of the gums, dental implants fuse with the jawbone. Once the replacement teeth are attached to the dental implant, the restoration is held firmly in place and becomes impossible to distinguish from natural teeth.
- Long lasting – Dental implants are strong and long-lasting. With proper oral hygiene and routine dental care they can last for a lifetime.
- Improved oral health – By replacing missing teeth, you are preventing further oral health complications.
- No fear of embarrassment – Traditional dentures that are held in with adhesives or suction can often impact speech and sometimes move out of place. Dentures supported by implants are firmly held in place so there is no risk of embarrassment from them slipping out.
Tooth loss is something that should not be ignored. If you are missing teeth and live in the Alliston area, please contact Dominion Street Dental today for an evaluation to find out if dental implants are right for you. You can make an appointment by calling (705) 435-4124.