The Consequences of Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is a serious issue that affects over 120 million Americans. In addition to creating gaps in your smile, tooth loss can impact your overall health in a variety of ways.
Explore our guide to learn about the consequences of tooth loss.
1
Loss of functionality.
Tooth loss can control what you eat and how you speak. When you lose teeth, the strength of your bite decreases and you may struggle to chew some of your favorite foods. Missing teeth can also cause you to slur your words, interfering with your ability to communicate effectively.
Dental implants fuse directly with your jawbone to replace your missing tooth root in a process known as osseointegration. Once we top your implant with a stunning porcelain crown, you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite foods and speak with confidence.
2
Increased risk of oral infection.
If you have gaps in your smile, these empty spaces become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. As a result, tooth loss increases your risk of harmful dental issues like cavities and gum disease.
In addition to hurting your oral health, this bacteria can travel through your blood vessels to your arteries and lead to cardiovascular issues. These can include heart attacks, strokes, and more.
By filling the gaps in your smile with dental implants, you can protect your teeth from bacteria and avoid any related health complications.
3
Weakening of the jawbone.
When you lose a tooth, that area of your jawbone loses its source of stimulation. Without this, your bone tissue will begin to rapidly deteriorate, eventually causing your surrounding teeth to shift.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement that stimulates healthy jawbone growth. Unlike other restorations such as dentures, implants will protect your long-term oral health in addition to enhancing your smile.
4
Premature wrinkling.
When your jawbone deteriorates, the skin around your jawline loosens and starts to sag. This leads to hollow cheeks and premature wrinkles, making you appear much older than you really are.
By helping to keep your jawbone dense and healthy, dental implants allow you to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance.
5
Reduced self-confidence.
Everyone deserves to have a smile they can feel proud of, but gaps from missing teeth can make it hard to stay confident. You may start to feel embarrassed or ashamed of your smile, hurting your ability to make positive first impressions and meet new friends.
Dental implants are customized to match your surrounding teeth for a natural appearance. With proper care, you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile for the rest of your life.
6
Increased likelihood of pain.
All of your teeth hold nerve tissues inside. When you lose a tooth, these nerve tissues are left uncovered, causing increased sensitivity in your mouth and possibly severe pain.
Dental implants replace your natural tooth root to protect your nerve tissues and shield you from pain.
7
Anxiety and unhappiness.
When you’re embarrassed to smile, it has a negative effect on your overall mood. Smiling and laughing release chemicals in your brain called endorphins that help you feel relaxed and revitalized.
By replacing missing teeth with dental implants, you can enjoy a natural-looking, permanent restoration that will help you smile with confidence.