Are you struggling with one or several missing teeth? You aren’t the only one. Over 170 million Americans are facing the same situation, and this number is expected to grow in the next decade. Whether it’s due to dental decay, gum disease, or trauma, having a missing tooth can be detrimental to the appearance and function of your smile. But what if you have a missing back tooth that no one can see? Read on to learn why you should still consider renewing your smile with a dental restoration!
What Are the Risks of Not Replacing Your Missing Back Teeth?
Most people tend to treat tooth loss in front of their smiles with much more urgency, as the gap will be obvious each time they open their mouths. However, your rear teeth are just as essential to your oral health, and their absence may result in various dental issues, including:
- Difficulty chewing
- Deterioration of neighboring teeth
- Misalignment
- Bone loss
5 Essential Benefits of Dental Implants
Fortunately, with modern dentistry, missing one or multiple pearly whites doesn’t need to be a lifelong problem. To resolve the issue, you can opt for state-of-the-art tooth replacement treatments, such as dental implants, which come with the following benefits:
- Root-to-crown restoration: Unlike dental bridges or dentures, dental implants are embedded into the jawbone and effectively replace the entire tooth structure from the roots up.
- Lifelike: Your dentist will craft your dental implants to seamlessly match the shape, size, and color of the rest of your smile, providing a natural-looking solution.
- Stability: The titanium posts will undergo osseointegration, meaning they’ll fuse with the jawbone and won’t move whenever you eat or speak with your new restorations.
- Easy maintenance: You won’t have to practice any special cleaning techniques to preserve your dental implants. Simply clean them like you would your natural teeth, visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings, and avoid poor oral habits like smoking and chewing on ice.
- Longevity: You can expect your implants to last anywhere from several decades to a lifetime with proper care.
Who Is Eligible for Dental Implants?
If you’re missing one, several, or all of your teeth, then you’re likely a good candidate for dental implants. You’ll need to visit your dentist for an initial consultation so they can assess your situation and confirm that you’re eligible. Even if you have dental issues like gum disease, they’ll be able to offer the necessary treatment to get you back on track with good oral health before continuing with your restoration procedure.
Speak with your dentist if you’re interested in replacing a missing back tooth. They’ll be more than happy to determine the best method for restoring your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Victor Beck has been delivering outstanding care for well over 40 years in Columbia, TN, and the surrounding communities. He’s also a member of various prominent groups like the Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He provides numerous high-quality and comprehensive treatments, including dental implants. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call 931-236-2141.