Request Request an Appointment Forms Complete Our Forms Like Us Like Us on Facebook Reviews Leave a Google Review Call Map
Open Saturdays Dental Emergencies & Walk-Ins Welcome Accepting New Patients Family-Owned and Operated Animated clock icon Request an Appointment

Why Should You Replace a Tooth No One Can See?

August 15, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: — drnguyen @ 2:05 am

Molar replaced with a dental implantMany people fear losing a front tooth because no one wants a gap to be the focal point of their smile. Although losing any tooth can be traumatic, it may not be as alarming if it’s a molar. It’s difficult to see teeth in the back of your mouth when smiling or speaking, but a lost tooth is more than a cosmetic issue. If the tooth isn’t replaced, you can suffer devastating consequences for your oral and general health. Here are 4 reasons to replace a missing back tooth, even though no one can see it.

1. Your Jawbone Will Deteriorate

Every tooth is vital for a healthy, functional smile. Losing even one will cause your jawbone to deteriorate. You can lose up to 25% of your jaw’s density within the first year of missing a tooth, which will continue to progress because there’s no longer a root stimulating the bone. As you lose more bone, you’re at risk of various oral and general health issues. Not to mention, you may notice changes to your facial appearance, like wrinkling or sagging skin. 

2. Your Oral Health Will Suffer

As your jawbone shrinks, your remaining teeth won’t have the support they need. They will slowly drift out of alignment, which will make them more difficult to clean. You’ll have an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but those aren’t the only concerns. Over time, your teeth can loosen and fall out. 

3. Your Oral Functions Can Decline

It’s not uncommon to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the lost tooth to avoid discomfort. However, this can lead to uneven wear and tear on your teeth, increasing your risk of breaks, fractures, and enamel erosion. You can also develop a TMJ disorder, which can make it difficult and painful to open or close your mouth. 

4. You Can Develop Nutritional Deficiencies

An incomplete smile can make it challenging to chew certain foods. As a result, you might limit or eliminate them from your diet. Although you’re trying to avoid discomfort, you’re opening the door to nutritional deficiencies that can harm your general health. 

Permanently Replace Your Missing Tooth

It’s best to replace a missing tooth right away. You have several options to choose from, like a bridge and crowns, but only one method will stop all the complications of tooth loss. A dental implant is the only prosthetic to replicate both the root and the crown. It can stop bone loss to preserve your natural smile. With over a 95% success rate and proven to last for decades, a dental implant in Murphy is a smart investment. You can regain the next best thing to your real tooth.

About Dr. Masoud E. Najari

Dr. Najari earned his dental degree from Baylor College of Dentistry and has continued his education in advanced treatments, like sedation and dental implants. He can treat the most complex oral health issues, including tooth loss. Contact our office today to see if dental implants are right for you.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.