Most people are self-conscious about a missing tooth in the front of their mouth. It may not be fair, but a gaping hole in a smile has negative connotations in most social circles. Dental implants from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry in Comstock Park are an ideal solution.
A person who loses a front tooth usually makes a plan for a dental restoration ASAP. But when someone loses a molar, they are more likely to leave the gap. “You can’t really see it when I smile, right?” “I have other teeth back there, I can chew with those.” If the tooth had been hurting, sometimes they are so relieved that the pain is gone, they consider the extraction the final answer.
The aim of this article is to dispel the myth that a missing back tooth has no consequences.
Bone Recession
Since we can’t see the bone that anchors our tooth roots, we don’t often consider its condition. The health of the jawbone plays an essential role in overall oral health. When a tooth is extracted, the bone at the extraction site shrinks and recedes over time. Since a dental implant replaces the tooth root, it maintains the health of the bone. In so doing, it also protects the bone for the adjacent teeth.
The jawbone is the foundation of the lower face. If it shrinks and recedes, everything that sits on top of it will follow suit. An individual with bone recession will eventually get that “sunken in” look that can make them look a lot older than they really are. A dental implant, unlike a dental bridge, preserves the framework of the face.
Shifting Teeth
Another vulnerability is shifting teeth. If teeth adjacent to the extraction site start moving, it can trigger a domino effect. The unopposed tooth on the opposite arch can also move, though it typically moves outward from the bone (over-eruption).
In addition to esthetic implications, teeth that are displaced are in jeopardy of gingivitis, decay, TMJ pain, or bite problems. There will also be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions—compromising their strength as well.
A dental implant from Stewart & Hull Aesthetic and General Dentistry in Comstock Park is the most optimal way to treat a missing tooth but not the only option. Call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation to see if you would be a candidate for implants and other options that are available. Our office also offers restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign orthodontics, partials/dentures and much more! Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact Stewart & Hull Aesthetic & General Dentistry:
616-784-2377
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
769 York Creek Dr NW
Comstock Park, Michigan
49321
