Pasadena Texas Dentist
Effects of Missing Teeth:
Teeth are designed to handle the tremendous forces generated during chewing. Teeth need constant support. In other words, teeth like to have teeth on either side of them and also an opposing tooth to chew with. When a tooth is lost the remaining teeth will start to move. The natural teeth are trying to find the missing tooth. They will drift and tilt into the missing space. Now the teeth are out off alignment. The teeth will take extra chewing forces and this will start to damage the teeth. The tilted teeth are more difficult to clean and are more prone to decay.
It is important to replace missing teeth. The best and longest lasting method to replace a missing tooth is with a dental implant. The dental implant is the ONLY tooth replacement option that does not damage the adjacent teeth. The implant prevents the teeth from shifting and preserves the bone levels.
Some dentists are still doing bridges. This is a horrible treatment option as it requires the destruction of natural teeth to replace a tooth.
For further reading about implants or bridges -> 1. Bridge or Dental Implant 2. Implant not a Bridge for Mom
Prevents Bone Loss
When you lose teeth, you also tend to lose bone mass in your jaw. Your jawbone needs the stimulation it gets when your teeth connect to maintain its mass. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that also replaces that jaw bone stimulation, helping to prevent bone loss.
Match Your Natural Teeth
Dental implants mimic natural teeth. They are fused into the jawbone and come out of the gum tissue just like natural teeth.
A Permanent Solution to Tooth Loss
Other tooth replacement options will need to be repaired or replaced periodically, but dental implants are designed to last for the rest of your life. If you’re in need of a tooth replacement option, you should definitely consider dental implants.
Restores Bite Force
Because dental implants are anchored into your jaw with a titanium post that replaces the tooth root. Thus the implant is anchored in the jawbone and can withstand and provide great chewing forces. However, other tooth replacement options like bridges or partials do not restore nearly as much of your bite force. This is because they sit on top of the gums and aren’t anchored in place.
They Don’t Get Cavities
Artificial teeth still need to be cared for to prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth and causing infections. However, titanium and porcelain can not get decay. You’ll never have to worry about getting cavities in your dental implants!
Prevents Changes In the Shape Of Your Face
Your teeth and jawbone help support your facial structure. When you lose teeth, you lose that facial support. Therefore, your face changes and you appear older. Dental implants provide similar support for your face as your natural teeth, preventing it from changing shape.
Speak Naturally
Missing teeth can also alter your speech. Because dental implants feel and function just like natural teeth, they enable you to speak easily and naturally. Dentures and partials can move around during speech.
Easy to Care For
Taking care of dental implants is easy! Just brush and floss like you normally would. Dental implants don’t require you to buy any special products to clean or care for them. You just brush and floss, just the way you would with your natural teeth.
No Embarrassing Slippage
Patients with dentures sometimes feel self-conscious about speaking, laughing, or eating in public, as dentures can visibly shift or slip inside your mouth. Dental implants are firmly anchored in place and will never embarrass you.
Supports Adjacent Teeth
A gap in your mouth caused by a missing tooth can cause the teeth on either side of the gap to shift positions, leading to misalignment. Dental implants fill the gap, allowing you to maintain a straight, even smile.
What Causes Tooth Loss Most Frequently?
Losing teeth doesn’t always happen suddenly. The same problem may not always result in tooth loss; in other instances, it can take months or even years to occur. Every person experiences tooth loss for a variety of reasons, so understanding the underlying cause is crucial for providing the necessary therapy.
Individual Health Problems
It is well knowledge that using tobacco products and smoking can cause tooth loss in addition to other health problems. However, a bad diet can also weaken your teeth and have an impact on your overall dental health.
Diabetes makes you more susceptible to developing periodontitis and impairs your body’s capacity to heal itself, which can result in the loss of teeth. Other significant medical conditions that might result in tooth loss include arthritis and hypertension.
Trauma or Injury
Your dental health may be at danger as a result of daily activities. The tooth may die over a few days, several months, or even years as a result of a serious injury or trauma. You run the danger of losing teeth if you are involved in a car accident, a fall, or an accident while playing sports.
That does not imply that you should avoid engaging in your regular activities. To protect your teeth when playing sports, take precautions like wearing a mouthguard. In order to keep your teeth healthy, you should stop engaging in harmful activities that could damage them. For example, using your teeth to open caps, lips, or tops can cause significant harm. Using your teeth to cut, rip, or thread tags is also not recommended.
Cavities
Dentists are skilled in treating cavities, a frequent tooth problem. Most cavities are no longer a concern once you get a filling and schedule routine checks. However, cavities occasionally result in tooth loss.
An untreated cavity, which is brought on by a bacterial infection, can develop into tooth decay. The pulp in the middle of your teeth can be destroyed by a cavity. This damage might necessitate a root canal or, in more extreme circumstances, tooth extraction.
Gum Disease
The most common reason for adult tooth loss is gum disease. This serious gum infection, also known as periodontitis, causes gum destruction and, in the most extreme circumstances, may even destroy the jawbone.
Swollen, red, or painful gums are among the signs of periodontitis. Poor dental hygiene is typically the root of this condition. In spite of the fact that gum disease is a common reason for tooth loss, it can be avoided.
What Takes Place to Your Jaw When Your Teeth Fall Out?
Tooth loss affects more than just appearance. Untreated empty sockets can cause major issues with your jaw that might necessitate additional dental repair. Your lower jaw may atrophy, losing bone over time and becoming smaller and weaker.
Your jawbone might not be strong enough to support your remaining teeth if this occurs. The loss of teeth may also result in sinus issues or biting issues. You can have facial collapse in serious circumstances.
Visit our office at 3421 Burke Rd, Ste A, Pasadena Texas or call us today at 713-941-8261. Dr. Nugent is a leader in dental implant solutions. Get the best dental care for you and your family.