Our teeth need support from their roots, the jawbone, and gums to stay healthy. Likewise, adjacent teeth also play a role in keeping your teeth in place so they don’t drift. That’s why it’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
Once you lose a tooth, the dynamic inside your mouth changes. In other words, you lose part of what was keeping the rest of your teeth healthy and stable.
The good news is that Dr. Nazarian can create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your oral health needs.
In the meantime, here are the main reasons you should replace missing teeth.
You May Miss Out on Your Favorite Foods
make eating the foods we love difficult and even painful. If you limit your diet to only what your teeth can handle, you may miss out on many important nutrients. Our dentist can help you explore your tooth replacement options. That way, you never have to worry about missing out on healthy foods.
You May Lose More Teeth
Each tooth in your mouth provides support for the teeth around it. When one , the teeth surrounding it have less support and will lean toward the open space. This often leads to cavities and even further tooth loss.
You May Experience Bone Loss in the Jaw
Your body is able to detect when you lose a tooth and will start to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. As a result, the area of the jaw around the empty socket will start to deteriorate.
If left untreated, you may experience facial collapse. This changes the shape of the face and makes dentures difficult to wear.
To prevent bone loss in the jaw, we often recommend dental implants. Unlike dentures that sit on top of the gums, your dentist will embed the implant in the jawbone.
Dental implants work because they exert pressure on the jawbone. In other words, they replace the function of a natural tooth root. This keeps the bone tissue healthy and prevents further deterioration and facial collapse.
Related: Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures? →
You May Experience Low Self-Esteem
Do you often smile with your lips closed? Do you cover your mouth when you laugh? Do you ever feel self-conscious when meeting people for the first time?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, please know that you’re not alone. Many patients experience low self-esteem after tooth loss.
The good news is that Dr. Nazarian is here to help. His ultimate goal is to restore your smile so you can live your life with confidence again.
What’s the Best Way to Replace Missing Teeth?
First, it’s important to remember that each patient is different. But in general, dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care. They also prevent bone loss in the jaw, as well as tooth loss. The result is a beautiful, healthy smile you’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.
Request an Appointment With Dr. Nazarian
Dr. Ara Nazarian is an experienced dental implant dentist in Shelby Township, MI. As such, he’d be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. The sooner you replace missing teeth, the sooner you’ll be able to restore your oral health.
To request an appointment, please call the Premier Dental Center at (248) 457-0500. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our office will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.
