The toll that missing teeth can take on your physical, mental, and emotional health can be extreme. What you might have thought was “no big deal” initially is now a serious problem that is affecting your ability to get the nutrition you need and speak without slurring your words. Could it be that you waited too long to replace your missing teeth with dental implants? Read on to discover why it may be possible to get the smile you deserve while there is still time.
What Happens When Missing Teeth Are Not Replaced?
Missing teeth can do more than just make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. It can cause you to experience significant challenges when attempting to eat or speak as well.
The longer teeth go unreplaced, the more likely it is that the jawbone will begin to shrink. Known as bone atrophy, this area of the mouth will change shape because there is no stimulation delivered by tooth roots. This causes the jaw to weaken and makes it harder to support any kind of tooth replacement.
It’s also possible that healthy teeth may try to shift to fill in the gap left behind by missing teeth. This can cause poor alignment and lead to chronic jaw pain and bruxism. It can also result in needing orthodontics to fix the misalignment.
But one cannot dismiss the emotional struggle that missing teeth can cause. Feeling embarrassed by an incomplete smile can lead to depression and the inability to feel confident and comfortable gathering with others for personal or professional events.
Are Dental Implants Possible?
A dentist will need to perform an examination to determine the status of a person’s oral and overall health in addition to their jawbone density.
In most cases, dental implants are possible; however, some work must first be done. This can include gum disease treatment if plaque and inflammation exist and bone grafting.
When the jawbone is not dense enough to support dental implants, it must be treated using a bone graft. This process involves using grafting materials that are often extracted from another part of the body or a donor. After opening the gum tissue to expose the deteriorating bone, the grafting materials are incorporated.
Over time, the new and existing bone will fuse and create a stable and firm foundation. Once fully healed, a patient can move forward with dental implant placement.
Although the minor oral surgery that is required for these longer-lasting prosthetics may not be possible right away, there is no reason to lose hope in the prospect of living life with healthier, more permanent teeth.
About the Author
Dr. John Upton has spent more than 35 years helping individuals in Verde Valley take charge of their oral health. Caring for patients at Village Dentistry, he and his team believe in offering solutions to help all individuals attain the smile of their dreams. No matter how long it has been since a person lost one or more teeth, we will do our best to provide options that will make superior tooth replacement options like dental implants a reality. Visit our website or call (928) 284-9632 if you or someone you love needs help to regain a complete, healthy smile.