What Happens If You Don't Replace Your Missing Teeth?

If you have one or more missing tooth but never gave any thought to replacing it, chances are, you may not be aware of the wider issues surrounding tooth loss – at least, not beyond the appearance factor.

There are several reasons that can lead to tooth loss conditions, including:

• Genetics
• Lack of oral hygiene
• Oral diseases
• medication

One of the most effective teeth replacement methods to restore health, function and beauty to your smile involves a modern treatment known as dental implants. In this blog, we will take a look at why it is important to replace your missing teeth, and what makes dental implants a preferred choice.

Dental Implant Treatment

As a tooth replacement technique, it’s hard to beat dental implants for the secure and permanent solution they offer. Dental implants are small titanium cylinders or screws that are surgically placed into your upper and/or lower jawbones, to artificially replace your tooth roots. The root-like posts act as anchors for your prosthetic teeth.

Dental implants are useful for many reasons, but we will focus on three main benefits. As shown in the following, the implant solution helps to reduce or eradicate typical problems that affect tooth loss patients.

Prevent Infections and Bone Loss

One of the most critical reasons for replacing your missing teeth is to prevent damage to the remaining teeth and gums. Whether your tooth loss situation involves one or more missing teeth, the edentulous problem will lead to misalignment of neighbouring dental structures.

Gaps on the jaw vacated by missing teeth will give rise to improper pressure distribution, leading to overcompensation by the surrounding teeth, which may result in discomfort and pain. If the missing teeth are not replaced, edentulous patients may experience dental ailments such as loosened teeth, receding gums, frequent gum infections and even facial swelling.

Dental implants provide an ideal solution to stem these knock-on effects of missing teeth. Since the implants are biologically integrated into the jaw via osseointegration, they also help to provide stability to the facial structure while preventing progressive bone loss and gum recession – again, common effects of missing teeth.

Prevent Improper Bite and TMJ

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can prevent the occurrence of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ). The empty spaces created by missing teeth can cause the neighbouring teeth to shift and lead to an improper bite. Besides causing a faulty bite, it can also lead to TMJ, a dysfunction of the joint that attaches your lower jaw to your skull. The condition, characterised by jaw pains, can further result in frequent headaches, chronic fatigue and neck stiffness.

Improve Facial and Smile Aesthetics

Cosmetic dental implants can give you the most natural-looking teeth replacement option. If you opt for a porcelain restoration, the prosthetic teeth can mimic the translucency of natural enamel, which makes your implant-supported restoration virtually indistinguishable from real teeth. Implants also help to support facial integrity – even restore facial muscles – as a permanent solution to your tooth loss condition. They help to “prop up” your facial countenance such that you avoid the “caved in” appearance that makes a person look older than they really are.

To find out how our dental implant treatments and solutions can restore function, health and beauty to your smile, contact Macquarie Street Centre today – simply call our friendly Sydney CBD Clinic at 02 9247 1394.