Missing more than one tooth? You are not alone. In fact, about 70% of adults ages 35 to 44 have one or more missing teeth, according to the Turkish Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Many people try to replace missing teeth with dentures or other dental prostheses to avoid embarrassing social interactions, but getting one’s smile back is more important for cosmetic reasons. Did you know that missing teeth can cause bone loss? Read on to learn more about the impact of missing teeth and the best way to protect your oral health.
Why Does Missing Tooth Cause Bone Loss?
The forces applied when you chew and bite food pass through your teeth and stimulate the jawbone. However, when a tooth is missing, the jawbone loses this warning and the body gradually begins to break the bone. In fact, according to one study, up to 25% of the bone near a missing tooth can be lost in the first year after tooth extraction.
How Do Dentures Replace Missing Teeth?
Dentures, artificial teeth and gums are a popular tooth replacement solution for people who have lost most or all of their teeth. Dentures, typically made of hard resin, are custom designed to fit a person’s mouth and are usually held in place by natural suction.
Although prostheses can restore the appearance of a person’s smile, they cannot help prevent deterioration of the jawbone. Indeed, some research suggests that wearing dentures can actually increase the rate of atrophy of bone in the mouth. In some cases, patients with dentures who experience significant shrinkage of the jawbone may find that their dentures are loose and need to be reattached.
Why Are Dental Implants the Best Choice?
A dental implant is a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After the implant has fused with the jawbone over several months of healing, a crown is placed on top of the implant to effectively restore the missing tooth. A few strategically placed implants can even support an entire artificial dental arch.
Dental implants imitate tooth root structure, stimulating jaw bone growth and preventing bone loss. Dental implants also offer a number of additional advantages over traditional dentures, such as:
.No Slip ; Dental implants fit securely in place, so you never have to worry about them slipping or shifting in your mouth.
.Maximum Stability; Dental implants provide nearly the same chewing power as natural teeth, so you can eat all your favorite foods without worry.
.Long life ; With proper care, dental implants can easily last for decades. Meanwhile, dentures typically need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years.
Get a confident smile and protect your oral health with dental implants! Talk to an implant dentist today to schedule an initial consultation.
