When you have missing teeth, it can be embarrassing and make you avoid social interactions. You might feel like all anyone can see are the gaps in your smile, right? And you can forget about eating a juicy steak or biting down on a crunchy piece of bread without discomfort.
Fortunately, modern dentistry has made it possible to replace one or all of your teeth with dental implants, giving you the freedom to eat what you want and speak clearly without worrying about dentures shifting or moving.
Dental implants also restore your oral health by mimicking your tooth’s roots and keeping your jawbone from deteriorating.
So, if you think missing teeth are just something you have to endure, think again!
Let’s explore the hidden dangers of missing teeth and why dental implants benefit jawbone health.
Quick Facts: Dental Implants & Jawbone Health
- Bone Health: Implants are the only replacement that stimulates the jawbone, preventing the bone loss (atrophy) that follows tooth loss.
- Facial Shape: By maintaining bone density, implants prevent "facial collapse" and the premature aging caused by sagging features.
- Alignment: Closing gaps stops "super-eruption," where surrounding teeth shift or drift out of place, protecting your bite.
- Durability: Designed to fuse with your bone, implants offer a permanent, high-success solution that traditional bridges cannot match.
The Science of Bone Loss: What Happens When a Tooth is Gone?
Your teeth are responsible for more than biting and chewing; research shows that they support your entire oral structure, so when you lose one or more teeth, everything from your jawbone to your facial shape is affected.
The "Use It or Lose It" Principle
Every time you chew, your tooth’s roots stimulate your jawbone, so when you have gaps in your smile, it leads to bone loss and other dental concerns. Essentially, if you don’t “use it, you lose it.”
The Domino Effect on Facial Structure
In addition to bone loss, missing teeth cause a domino effect on your facial structure. One or more missing teeth can lead to bite changes, facial sagging, painful chewing, difficulty speaking, and increased oral health risks.
Beyond Aesthetics: Health Risks of Untreated Tooth Loss
You probably think of what your smile will look like if you have missing teeth, but the truth is that there are numerous health risks associated with untreated tooth loss.
Super-Eruption and Misalignment
When you lose a tooth, the tooth above it or below it begins to shift out of place and can grow out of its socket, appearing larger. This can cause bite concerns, uneven wear and tear, and TMJ issues.
Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease
If your teeth become misaligned due to tooth loss, it’s more challenging to keep them clean. This leads to bacteria buildup and can increase the risk of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss.
Digestion and Nutritional Impact
Without all of your teeth, it’s more difficult to chew and break down food. This can limit your diet and lead to nutritional deficiencies. Without proper nutrients, you could be at risk for other health issues.
How Dental Implants Stop the Cycle of Bone Loss
When you choose dental implants to replace your missing teeth, they stimulate your jawbone, much like your natural tooth’s roots. That way, you can stop the cycle of bone loss, helping you maintain your jawbone density and facial structure.
Modern Solutions for Missing Teeth: From Single Gaps to Full Smiles
At Anderson Dental, we offer numerous dental implant options for your smile. So, whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire upper or lower arch, we can customize a treatment plan with your needs in mind.
We’ll discuss your options, answer your questions, and help you choose what’s best for your oral health.
Individual Dental Implants (The Single Tooth Solution)
For a single missing tooth, we’ll place a titanium post into your jaw to mimic your tooth’s roots. Once it heals and fuses with your jawbone, we’ll add a custom dental crown, designed to blend seamlessly with your smile.
Snap-In Dentures (The Stable Hybrid)
With snap-in dentures, you get the stability of dental implants combined with the practicality of a removable denture. We’ll strategically place implants into your upper or lower jaw, and once they heal, we’ll attach a denture or bridge to those implants, giving you a natural-looking smile. All you have to do is remove and clean your restoration at night, giving your gums a chance to rest. Then, you just snap it in the next day!
All-on-X Fixed Bridges (The Full Smile Rebirth)
If you’re missing all of your upper or lower teeth, our All-on-X implant procedure may be the answer you’ve been looking for. With four implants, we can secure a complete arch of teeth, and you won’t have to worry about them shifting or slipping, as regular dentures can. This process is more affordable and less invasive than replacing each tooth with its own dental implant, making it a popular option for many patients.
Want to Learn More About Dental Implants in Champaign, IL?
If you’d like to see how dental implants can restore your confidence and oral health, our experienced dental team is ready to take your call! At Anderson Dental, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about your smile, and we can help you choose a tooth replacement option tailored to your smile goals and budget.
For additional information or to schedule a consultation or appointment, please feel free to reach out to us at (217) 356-7334.