Sometimes it’s easy to think of missing teeth as just a cosmetic problem. This is why many people who are missing them toward the back of the mouth don’t get them replaced for years on end. However, even a single missing tooth can eventually lead to a litany of problems that could damage not only your teeth, but your entire mouth as well. Replacing them isn’t just good for your looks, but for your health, too. Today, Dr. Matthew Nawrocki is going to discuss the health benefits of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants in Jacksonville, FL.
1. They Keep Your Teeth Straight
When you have a gap in your smile, it is very likely that your remaining teeth are going to shift into the open space. This can cause your teeth to become crooked, which not only affects the look of your smile, but its functionality as well. Crooked teeth can prevent your jaw from closing correctly, which can cause chronic pain and even unconscious teeth-grinding that can crack and break them. With dental implants, your smile is whole once again, and all of these problems are easily prevented.
2. They Keep Your Gums Healthy
Obviously, part of your gum tissue is exposed whenever your teeth go missing. This actually makes it much more susceptible to gum disease, which is actually the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. This is how just a single lost tooth can easily lead to another, and then another, causing a domino effect that can devastate a person’s oral health. Dental implants help protect this sensitive gum tissue, and help maintain the natural balance in your mouth so it can stay healthy.
3. They Maintain Your Facial Structure
If you had a grandparent with dentures, you remember how they looked dramatically different whenever they didn’t have them in. This is because a full set of teeth actually supports the jaw and lips, giving the face a fuller, more youthful appearance. This is accomplished in part because the roots of your teeth support the jawbone from the inside, which is also an important part of its functionality. After a tooth has gone missing, the body gradually cuts off blood to the area, which can cause both the gums and the jaw to recede. This weakened jaw can’t support your remaining teeth as well, making it much more likely that they will eventually fall out. With dental implants, this internal support is restored, and they even help renew the healthy blood flow to the area that will maintain its strength.
Have Any Questions?
What you probably noticed is that all the points mentioned how one lost tooth can easily lead to others. That’s why replacing your missing teeth is so important: it stops the downward spiral that is so common with tooth loss. Your implant dentist in Jacksonville, FL can easily stop it with just one procedure, giving you a healthy smile that you never have to worry about again.
If you’re missing teeth, please give us a call today and ask about getting dental implants. It could be the best thing you could possibly do for your smile. If you have any questions, or want to schedule a consultation, please come see us today.