In some ways, tooth loss is natural. For instance, if you ignore a dental disease, then the consequences of it will naturally lead to the loss of your teeth. However, it isn’t natural in the same sense as aging. Unlike growing older, you can largely prevent tooth loss from occurring with proper care and maintenance, and by addressing dental health concerns promptly. At our El Paso, TX, dental office, we not only help you prevent tooth loss, but also help you prevent further concerns if tooth loss occurs by designing a custom, highly lifelike tooth replacement.
Your other teeth try to take up the slack
Losing a tooth means that rank and file of your teeth loses a supporting member. The teeth closest to the gap can feel the pressure every time you bite and chew, and can shift toward the space in an effort to compensate for it. This can lead to a host of issues, including forced tooth misalignment, structurally weaker teeth, a higher risk of tooth decay, and ultimately, an increased risk of losing more teeth. To avoid this, we can fill the gap in your smile with a lifelike dental bridge, or with a dental implant-supported crown that replaces your lost tooth root, as well.
Your risks of further tooth loss increase
Shifting teeth aren’t the only thing that can increase your risks of further tooth loss. For instance, losing a tooth root means losing stimulation in your jawbone, which can result in diminished minerals and nutrients flowing to it. Over time, your jawbone may shrink as it loses mass and density, making it weaker and less able to fully support your remaining teeth. The only way to prevent this is to reestablish that stimulation with an appropriate number of dental implants. The implant posts mimic your healthy teeth roots by supporting your custom crown, bridge, or denture, as well as helping your jawbone maintain its flow of nutrients.
Your oral and facial structures can suffer
As your jawbone shrinks from lack of stimulation, it will eventually become visibly apparent in your facial appearance. The jaw, cheekbones, and surrounding oral and facial structures can begin to sag due to inadequate support, a condition commonly referred to as facial collapse. By replacing your lost teeth with dental implants, you not only preserve your jawbone, but also the aforementioned structures to help you preserve your smile’s and face’s youthful appearance.
Don’t ignore tooth loss any longer
Avoid the more serious consequences of tooth loss by restoring your smile with a lifelike replacement as soon as possible. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling the Sunny Smiles dental office nearest you in El Paso, TX, today! We also have offices in Chaparral, Canutillo, and Vinton so we can easily serve patients throughout all surrounding communities.