When you are missing a tooth, or even several teeth, it can seem easy to simply leave them be. While this course of action may be tempting, not taking action can lead to more serious problems down the line that can't be so easily ignored.
Instead, speak to City Dentists about how dental implants can help, and avoid the three scenarios outlined below.
1. A destabilised bite
The placement of teeth in a neat line isn't just to produce a lovely row of flush, pearly whites. The location of each tooth actually helps to keep the adjacent ones firmly in place and protect the uniformity of your smile, as well as a stable bite. Think of it like a jigsaw – when one piece is removed, the surrounding ones become looser.
When you loose a tooth, its friends next door can start to drift from their proper position. This results in a destabilised bite, which can then affect the health of your jaw. To avoid this, getting a dental implant helps to keep the rest of your teeth in their natural positions.
2. Bone shape and form
Like many aspects of our bodies, the old adage of "use it or loose it" applies to dental health. In the case of a missing tooth, this is most applicable to the shape, form and function of the alveolar bone beneath. A gap can lead to a lack of stability in your jaw, which is normally maintained by stimulation from chewing on both sides of the mouth.
Changes to the shape and form of the jaw can lead to difficulty chewing, and in some cases even a drastic change in the shape of your mouth.
It's important to consider the aesthetic problems that could crop up down the line as a result of a gap in your smile
3. Appearance and aesthetics
Our teeth are more than just functional, they play a big part in how we look, and it's important to make sure they're white and clean. You may not be worried about the aesthetics of loosing one tooth – especially if it's found at the back of the mouth where many people experience the issue. However, it's important to consider the potential aesthetic problems that could crop up down the line as a result of an untreated gap in your smile.
In tandem with a reduced jawbone, lost teeth can have more effects on your looks than a simple gap. According to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), tooth loss can lead to a long-term loss of facial support – causing a more aged appearance as the cheeks and lips sag.
These are just a few of the reasons why dental implants are so important. If you have a gap in your smile, be sure to have it checked out and corrected by the team at City Dentists.