Of the many things that can affect your dental health, tooth loss is often considered the worst-case scenario, and for many good reasons. When you lose a tooth, the loss is permanent, and so are the continuing effects that the loss has on the rest of your oral health. While there are several ways to replace missing teeth according to your unique circumstances, dental implants are often the best way to address tooth loss and its many different consequences.
What to Expect from Missing Teeth
One problem with tooth loss is that it affects your smile’s symmetry, which can impact both your smile’s appearance and your bite’s ability to function properly. A full set of teeth is able to effectively withstand the immense pressures of your bite. When a tooth is missing, that ability is hindered, and some teeth can become damaged or forced out of alignment because they’re exposed to too much pressure. Also, the loss of a tooth’s root can cause a diminished supply of nutrients to your jawbone, causing the bone to shrink and lose mass over time.
The Advantages of Dental Implants
Conventional dental prosthetics, like bridges and dentures, are excellent at addressing most of the consequences of tooth loss. By filling your smile out again, the prosthesis restores your bite’s balance and appearance, which helps you preserve the rest of your healthy, natural tooth structure. However, the only way to address the loss of your teeth roots is by supporting your prosthesis on one or more dental implant posts, which are inserted into your jawbone to mimic the functions of your lost teeth roots.
Find Out What to Do About Tooth Loss
When you experience tooth loss, what you do about it can set the stage for the rest of your long-term oral health. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.
