When a tooth is missing, you have two options: replace itor leave it alone. Unfortunately, many people opt for the latter simply becauseof the cost. Dental work isn’t cheap, but what most individuals don’t realizeis forgoing treatment, especially a missing tooth, can lead to serious problems.Not only will your oral health suffer greatly but so will your overall well-being.If you’re facing this situation and are unsure of what to do, check out thisarticle to find out why dental implants inSavannah should be considered over traditional dentures or worse, anuntreated open socket.
What Can Happen if a Missing Tooth is Left Untreated?
Whether it is extracted or not, a missing tooth should bereplaced as soon as possible. Too often, people walk around with missing teethand choose not to seek treatment because of cost, time, or even fear. Whenthese instances happen, there are many problems that can arise, including:
- Changes in facial appearance: While thismight not seem important to some, even one missing tooth can cause changes tooccur in your appearance. Patients missing an entire arch of teeth canexperience full facial collapse or sagging.
- Increased risk for gum disease: Ifbacteria is allowed to grow and spread below the gum line, it can begin toweaken the bone, and inflammation can enter the bloodstream, leading to cardiovasculardisease, neurological disorders, and other health-related conditions.
- Weakened jawbone:When a toothroot is no longer stimulating the jawbone, it will weaken over time. Because itserves as the foundation for your teeth, it can cause them to loosen or evenfall out.
- Misaligned teeth: If one tooth ismissing, your nearby natural teeth will begin to shift to try and move into itsplace. This can move your teeth out of alignment and lead to problems with yourbite and result in a need for orthodontic treatment.
Why Are Dental Implants Better Than Traditional Dentures?
Dental implants are a safer, superior form of restorative treatment.Why? Because they truly restore your teeth from the roots up. Made of titanium,implant posts mimic your tooth root and surgically placed into your jawbone.This helps to keep the bone stimulated, eliminating the possibility of itweakening over time.
Once you’ve had time to heal at home, and your implants haveproperly fused to your bone and surrounding tissues, your dentist in Savannahwill place your custom prosthetic. Individuals needing a single tooth implant,a dental implant bridge, or an implant-retained denture can benefit from thistype of procedure.
You might be asking, “Implants sound great, but why not justgo with traditional dentures?” Here’s why:
- Stability: Traditional dentures sit ontop of the gum line, whereas, dental implants are surgically placed in thejawbone.
- Full restoration: Yes, dentures make itpossible to restore the look of a smile, but only dental implants can fullyrestore your entire tooth.
- Longevity: Regular dentures require relining,readjusting, and replacing over time. Dental implants are designed to lastdecades if not a lifetime.
- Maintenance: If you want to spend lesstime maintaining your new smile, dental implants are the way to go. Traditionaldentures require that you remove them, carefully brush them (careful not todrop them or they’ll break), and soak them overnight. Implants only require youto continue your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing, flossing, andrinsing.
Now that you know the valuable benefits of not onlyreplacing a missing tooth but choosing dental implants over traditionaldentures, you can feel confident moving forward with restoring your smile. Don’twait any longer to see a complete smile. Talk to your dentist in Savannah todayabout your dental implant options.
About the Author Dr. Charles Fana opened Compass Dental in 2000 to serve the patients of Savannah and surrounding communities. His passion for dentistry started at a young age, receiving braces during his senior year of high school. Going on to serve as a dental assistant in college, he earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University and his dental degree from the University of Louisville. In the years after graduation, he spent time at the L.D. Pankey Institute, completing the entire curriculum to become an expert in porcelain restorations, dental implants, and TMJ Therapy. To find out more about Dr. Fana, visit our website or call (912) 352-3955.
