Missing teeth affect more than your confidence. They also affect your oral health and can lead to more tooth loss in the long run. That’s why it’s important that you schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Our dentists will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants so you can replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
Here’s why replacing missing teeth is always a good idea.
Do you often smile with your lips closed or cover your mouth when you laugh? It’s hard to feel confident about your smile when you have missing teeth. But the good news is that we can help you regain your confidence with dental implants.
A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root made out of a titanium alloy. This titanium alloy is biocompatible with your body. Over time, the implant will fuse to your jawbone during a process called osseointegration and support an abutment and dental crown.
Together, the dental implant, abutment, and crown will give you the full look and function of a natural tooth.
When you lose a tooth, your other teeth will start to drift toward the open space. That’s why it’s important to as soon as possible. Otherwise, the tilted teeth may loosen or fall out. By replacing a missing tooth, you help support the adjacent teeth so they stay in place.
Once you lose one tooth, your body starts to absorb the minerals in your jaw to use elsewhere. This is because your body assumes that you no longer need the bone tissue if the tooth is no longer there.
Your teeth are held in place by the gums, adjacent teeth, and surrounding jawbone. But once you start to lose bone density, your teeth will start to loosen and may even fall out if you don’t intervene in time.
The good news is that a dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root. As such, it exerts pressure on the jawbone and tricks the body into thinking your tooth is still there. This prevents jawbone deterioration and eventual facial collapse.
If left untreated, jawbone deterioration can lead to a condition called facial collapse. This makes the patient’s profile appear sunken and can make them look older than their actual age.
Patients with facial collapse may also experience discomfort or difficulty wearing dentures. Dentures need your gums and jawbone for support. When they don’t receive this support, it can make your dentures more prone to slipping, which will affect your ability to speak and eat.
Missing teeth can make it difficult or uncomfortable to eat the foods you used to enjoy. That’s why we recommend asking our dentists if you’re a . Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Whether you’re interested in eating steak or corn on the cob, you can count on your dental implants to stay in place while you enjoy your meal.
Learn More: Can You Eat Normally with Dental Implants? →
Our dentists in Ann Arbor, Michigan, would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To request an appointment, please call Enhance Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (734) 821-7676. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
