Maybe you think that having one or two gaps in your smile isn’t a big deal. After all, you might still have enough teeth left to enjoy your favorite foods. Plus, those empty spaces give your look a dash of extra character. Well… before you get too comfortable with your missing teeth, you should be aware of some of the benefits you’ll enjoy if you decide to replace them with dental implants in Lynnfield.
It’s Better for Your Natural Teeth
Your teeth aren’t cemented into your jaw; they’re attached via ligaments, which let your pearly whites move a little. This flexibility is good because it allows orthodontic treatments nudge teeth into their proper positions, but it’s also bad because teeth can drift. When you have gaps in your smile, the chompers that you have left may gradually migrate out of their places, causing bite problems. You might even end up losing more of your teeth because of the drifting.
By replacing your missing teeth, you put a block in place that will ensure every one of your incisors, cuspids, bicuspids, premolars, and molars stays put.
It’s Better for Your Bones
Without all of your tooth roots in place, your jawbone may lose density and height over time. In fact, after an extraction, up to 25 percent of the nearby bone may be lost within the first year. This is a big deal, especially if you’re missing multiple teeth. The bone loss may even change the shape of your face. Even if you can live with gaps between your teeth, you might not want to see your jaw become smaller and frailer.
Dental implants can prevent this unfortunate issue because they act similarly to the roots of your natural teeth, stimulating blood flow to your jaw and fortifying it.
It’s Better for Your Gums
If your teeth shift out of place, it can become difficult to keep them clean, which may lead to gum disease and chronic bad breath. Plus, the exposed gums that are left behind after you lose a tooth become more vulnerable to irritation. The last thing you want is to end up with gums that are so sore and inflamed that you can’t even enjoy a yummy steak.
It’s Better for Your Confidence
You might not think of yourself as a vain person, and maybe you’re okay with the way the gaps in your mouth look. But why shouldn’t you try to look your best? A mouth full of healthy, functional teeth may boost your confidence and make you smile more.
Replacing your teeth with beautiful, natural-looking dental implants could also change the way other people view you. They may start to perceive you as more attractive, more successful, or friendlier.
Replacing your missing pearly whites is important! Why not talk to your dentist about the possibility of getting dental implants to restore your smile?
About the Dentist
Dr. Rob Schumacher is your local dental implant expert. If you’re ready to get back the grin you’ve been missing, he would be happy to help. You can contact our office at 781-334-3400.