Missing teeth are not just an aesthetic problem. They make it difficult to speak and chew properly. Worse yet, if you don’t replace missing teeth with dental implants or a bridge, you can face serious oral health problems in the future.
The root of a healthy tooth does a lot more than just hold it in place. It actually stimulates the regeneration of healthy tissue in your jaw. When the root is lost, this process comes to a halt and your jawbone can start to deteriorate.
Health Issues When a Tooth is Not Replaced
A missing tooth can also affect the alignment of the rest of your teeth. Even though you’re not aware of it, your teeth are always moving to some extent. This movement allows teeth surrounding the missing tooth to gradually drift out of place.
This starts a cycle of unwanted effects including misaligned teeth, premature wearing of teeth due to grinding, and even TMJ if the tooth is not replaced.
Tooth Replacement Solution
Dental implants are the perfect solution for replacing missing teeth. They are held in place in the jaw so they solve the problem of the missing root. Since dental implants are so stable, they offer a perfect base for a restoration like a dental crown.
You don’t have to live with the inconvenience of missing teeth. Please contact our Birmingham dental office, and we’ll be happy to arrange a consultation to see if dental implants are right for you.