When it comes to dental care, maintaining a healthy smile is a priority for a number of individuals. What’s more, the notion of having a tooth extracted due to infection or other cause is nobody’s first choice, and a number of alternatives may be sought to prevent that from occurring. In some circumstances, however, removal may be the only step left in order to preserve your oral health. When you do have a structure removed, however, keep in mind that it is not the end of the journey. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist will explain why it is important to have a missing tooth replaced and what happens to your function when you do not.
The Threats of Missing Structures
Your dentist’s overall goal is to set your smile up for success through a careful combination of preventive care practices, ideally ensuring that it lasts for life. Sometimes, however, oral bacteria may have a different plan in mind. In fact, oral bacteria are the primary cause of a number of dental concerns, from decay to infection and ultimately tooth loss. To ensure the safety of surrounding teeth, your dentist may recommend extraction if a structure is beyond saving. While this may take care of the immediate threat, a number of other concerns will begin to appear once the structure is gone. For example, a missing tooth can cause your bite to become uneven as it attempts to accommodate the gap, ultimately causing strain, difficulty biting and chewing, and even difficulty enunciating. In order to combat this, we may recommend a dental implant to restore function.
No More Support
A tooth root acts as an anchor secured in the jaw bone, allowing your crown to properly absorb the pressure of your bite. When a structure is missing, however, the section of jaw that would normally house that root is no longer able to fulfill its intended purpose. This causes the bone to deteriorate. If it is not treated properly, this will significantly impact your ability to receive dental implants down the line. What’s more, your bite will continue to functional sub optimally, ultimately causing problems that will continue to get worse with time. In cases such as these, it is better to act sooner rather than later.
An Effective Solution
To combat these arising issues, your dentist may recommend a dental implant to take the place of missing teeth. A dental implant consists of a biocompatible post that is secured within the jaw structure, acting as an artificial root. Atop this post is a custom-designed crown restoration that is created to mimic the shape, texture, and even shade of your natural teeth. Once placed, your restoration will be able to absorb the pressure of your bite and ultimately restore your bite’s previous function.
Learn More Today
Nobody wants to experience structural loss, but if it does occur, it is just as important to have it replaced. Contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 to learn more today.
