A missing tooth can be easily addressed today with a dental implant; this is a false tooth that is screwed into the gum line to become a permanent replacement. A good cosmetic dentist can shape, mold, and even color this tooth so that it looks very real and blends in easily with the teeth around it. A person with a dental implant may forget that they have it and typically no one can notice that it's an implant, even when close up.
While a dental implant can improve the appearance of a person's smile, it can have many other benefits and advantages as well. Consider a few of those here.
1. Teeth rely on each other for support
Your teeth rely on each other for support. When one tooth is missing, the teeth in the surrounding area can begin to come loose and, in turn, they too can be lost. This applies to the teeth next to the missing tooth but also to the teeth in the jaw above or below it. When you close your mouth the two parts of the jaw rest gently against each other and when there is a gap, these teeth are missing their needed support.
Putting in a dental implant gives all the teeth the support they need. In turn, this protects you from further tooth loss.
2. Open gums are very unhealthy
If you have a missing tooth, then the gums that are exposed are likely to harbor germs and bacteria and this can lead to gum disease and eventual tooth loss. By covering the gums with a dental implant, they are protected and your mouth will have less bacteria. You are not only protecting your oral hygiene but you may also notice that you have less bad breath due to bacteria around the gum line.
3. Dentures and bridges need to be consistently cleaned
A denture or bridge can hold an artificial tooth in place but these can also harbor germs and bacteria and need to be cleaned constantly. If they are not taken out and cleaned on a regular basis, this too can lead to gum disease, gums that are red and irritated, and may also lead to eventual tooth loss.
To protect your overall oral health and to protect your surrounding teeth, consider a dental implant for any teeth you may have missing. Talk with a specialist, such as Prospect Periodontal & Implant Center, to discuss what benefits dental implants can offer you. This can be a better solution than leaving a gap in your smile or using a bridge or dentures.
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