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Losing a tooth might not seem like a big deal, especially if it’s just one. But that single gap can cause long-term damage to your mouth. You might not feel pain at first, which makes it easy to ignore, but after some time, changes in your bite, speech, and jawbone will occur.
Getting dental implants near you is a great way to remedy this issue and keep your smile functional for years. This treatment has never been more accessible than it is today. Speak with a dental professional near you to find out if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure or if an alternative solution is more appropriate.
Is It OK to Have One Missing Tooth?
Some individuals may think it’s not a big deal to have a single missing tooth unless it severely impacts the aesthetic of their smile. In reality, it can start a domino effect that can lead to additional issues happening later down the road.
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift to fill the space that’s left behind. As a result, over time, your bite can change, and your upper and lower jaws may not align properly. This leads to uneven pressure while eating and tooth wear. It can also make it harder to brush or floss in certain areas, increasing the risk of cavities and gum issues.
Even if the gap doesn’t annoy you presently, it can contribute to additional dental procedures in the future; that’s why treating it early, even for one tooth, is crucial.
What Happens if You Ignore a Missing Tooth?
To start, your jawbone can begin to shrink. This happens because there’s no tooth root to stimulate that specific area of bone, so it becomes weaker and thinner. Secondly, when your teeth don’t fit together naturally, it becomes more difficult to bite and chew food, which leads to digestive problems. Teeth can become fragmented and their enamel can be worn down.
In other instances, teeth loss can impact how you speak. Certain words become harder to pronounce clearly, even if the missing tooth is in the back of your mouth. All of these problems can eventually compound and impact your oral well-being and your self-confidence.
Why Dental Implants are a Strong Solution
Dental implants are one of the best ways to replace a missing tooth. They look and feel like natural teeth. An implant includes a small metal post placed in the jaw, which acts like a replacement tooth root. A custom-made crown is then placed on top.
One of the biggest benefits of an implant is that it helps prevent bone deterioration, and keep teeth in their rightful positions. Furthermore, implants don’t rely on other teeth for support like bridges do, and they are permanent, unlike certain styles of dentures.
If you’re thinking about treatment, booking a consultation with your local dentist to discuss this option is the first step. The earlier you replace the missing tooth, the better the outcome.
How Can a Dentist Near You Help?
A dentist near you will assess your oral cavity, including the health of your teeth, tissues, roots, nerves, and jawbone before advising you on the best solution. If an implant isn’t suitable, they can also walk you through other restorative options like partial dentures or a customized bridge. If you’ve already had some bone loss, they may also talk to you about options like bone grafting. A dental clinician can address any concerns and questions you have about this process, so you know what to expect and feel comfortable when the time comes to make a final decision.
Additional Things to Consider
It’s important to know that no treatment is perfect. There are some downsides to acquiring implants, and they are outlined below:
| Problem | Long-Term Effect |
|---|---|
| Shifting teeth | Uneven bite, jaw strain |
| Bone loss | Weaker jaw, harder to place implants later |
| Trouble chewing | Discomfort, uneven wear on other teeth |
| Speech changes | Difficulty saying some words clearly |
| Risk of decay or gum disease | Harder to clean, food traps between teeth |
Book Your Implant Consultation Today
Schedule an appointment with our capable, approachable staff here at Team Roncesvalles Dentistry to restore your smile and protect your long-term oral health. We are excited to work alongside you and help you fall in love with your smile all over again.
Call or email today!