Although the condition becomes more common with age, anyone can lose their teeth. When you lose teeth, you suffer a variety of consequences. For this reason, it is important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible.
Complications of missing teeth
Missing teeth can cause several different complications, including:
- Bone loss – Over time, you can lose bone mass in the area around your missing teeth.
- Change in face shape – Losing even one tooth can lead to a change in your face shape as bone begins to deteriorate. If you are missing more than one tooth, your condition will worsen and the change in your face shape will become more obvious.
- Embarrassment – Many people feel embarrassed by their missing teeth, especially if they are located in the front of the mouth where they show during talking, eating or smiling. For some people, missing teeth can even cause social withdrawal.
- Lost ability to chew and talk – Several missing teeth can make it more difficult to bite, chew food and speak clearly. Not only is this upsetting for people with missing teeth, but it can also diminish their quality of life.
Replacing missing teeth
There are several options available to patients with missing teeth. Some of the most common options suggested by dentists include partials, dentures, bridges, and dental implants. Although all of these options can effectively replace one or more missing teeth, dental implants offer clear advantages over bridges, partials, and dentures.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth. These devices are fused to your bone, and they are designed to look and feel like your own teeth. Unlike dentures and partials, dental implants are not removable, and you won’t need to worry about them coming loose or falling out while you are eating or talking. Unlike bridges, dental implants replace your lost tooth root and do not require support from nearby teeth. In addition, because your lost tooth root is replaced when you choose a dental implant over other options, you will also reduce your risk of significant bone loss. Finally, dental implants are more durable and long-lasting than bridges, partials, or dentures.
Houston Precise Dental Care is proud to offer dental implants to patients throughout Houston. Please contact the office today to make an appointment or learn more. You can also request an appointment online.