Missing teeth are an issue that millions of Americans deal with each and every day, but it doesn’t have to be that way! At Harmony Dentistry, we’re passionate about tooth replacement, and we don’t want anyone to deal with the stress and hassle of missing teeth.
Replacing your missing teeth is vital to your oral and overall health; let’s take a look at how dental implants can prevent these issues.
How Losing One Tooth Affects Your Entire Jaw
Your tooth’s roots stimulate your jawbone, but when you lose a tooth, you lose that stimulation. This causes bone atrophy, a process where your jawbone begins to shrink and deteriorate. Not only that, but when you have gaps in your smile, your remaining teeth begin to shift into the empty spaces, and this affects your bite and oral health.
Facial Changes That Can Happen With Tooth Loss
Another issue associated with tooth loss is the changes you’ll begin to see in your face. Without your teeth to fill out your face, it can start to appear sunken or hollow, making you look older. And you’ll have more wrinkles to contend with since your teeth no longer support your lips and cheeks.
Systemic Health Risks of Untreated Tooth Loss
According to the National Institutes of Health, untreated tooth loss can contribute to numerous systemic health risks, including the following:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Respiratory infections
- Cancer
- Pregnancy complications
The Solution: How Dental Implants Halt Bone Loss in Its Tracks
The good news is that dental implants mimic your natural tooth’s roots, halting bone loss in its tracks! Dental implants can last a lifetime and restore your smile’s aesthetic beauty and functionality.
Here are your implant options:
- Single implants — For a single missing tooth, one implant and a dental crown can restore your smile.
- Multiple tooth implants — If you have several missing teeth, we can use dental implants to support a bridge.
- Implant dentures — Instead of worrying about traditional dentures slipping when you speak or eat, we can use dental implants to secure a full or partial denture.
- All-on-4® implants — Sometimes referred to as “all-on-x implants,” this treatment option uses multiple implants to secure an entire upper or lower arch.
Questions About Tooth Replacement in Westfield or Fortville, IN?
If you live in Westfield, Fortville, or the surrounding area, our caring dental team would love to speak with you about your tooth replacement options! At Harmony Dentistry, we’ll assess your bone density and customize a treatment plan for your unique smile.
Feel free to reach out to one of our two dental offices to schedule an appointment.