When you lose a tooth, it may not seem like a big deal. But tooth loss can have a large impact on your health and confidence.
Learn about the ways tooth loss can affect you, as well as how dental implants can help.
1
Loss of functionality.
Losing teeth can limit the foods you’re able to enjoy. Hard or tough foods like steak and apples can be difficult to chew, forcing you to adopt a diet that excludes many meals.
Gaps in your smile can also affect the way you speak, often causing you to slur and have trouble forming certain sounds. This can impact the way you communicate.
Dental implants can enable you to eat and speak as usual.
2
Increased risk of oral infection.
We often see taking care of our oral health as a means to prevent infection and disease from destroying our teeth. But your oral health can be at greater risk when you lose a tooth.
With no tooth to protect the area, your exposed gums and passages into your body are more vulnerable to infection. Cleaning your remaining teeth can also be more difficult, as food particles and debris can get stuck more easily.
Implants protect your oral health and make it easier to clean your teeth to prevent infections.
3
Weakening of the jawbone.
On a daily basis, your teeth keep your jawbone strong by sending signals through their roots as you chew and talk. When you lose a tooth, the jaw no longer receives these signals and begins to weaken. Losing bone density causes your jaw to lose its shape and ability.
A dental implant is the only tooth replacement option that strengthens your jawbone.
4
Premature wrinkling.
As your jawbone weakens, the skin around your jaw also loses its shape. The skin pulls away from your face and sags, creating premature wrinkles that can make you look older.
Implants help maintain your appearance by keeping your jaw strong.
5
Reduced self-confidence.
Becoming limited in your daily choices and changes to your appearance may begin to affect the way you feel about yourself. If you feel less assured in yourself, you may begin to feel isolated and pull away from relationships.
With dental implants, you can take control of your life and not be afraid to smile.
6
Increased likelihood of pain.
Leaving your gums exposed can also leave important nerves in them vulnerable. These nerves connect your teeth to your body and are sensitive when left unprotected. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures as well as irritation is common.
Dental implants protect your gums and reduce irritation.
7
Anxiety and unhappiness.
With all the changes in your life due to tooth loss, your daily balance could be upturned. As your life changes, you could start to feel different. Missing teeth have been linked to anxiety and depression.
Implants can enable you to smile your widest again and to live the way you want.
Contact Us for Compassionate Care
If you’ve lost a tooth and want to keep your oral health at its best with dental implants, Towne Centre Family Dental can help. We provide quality dental implants and care throughout your treatment.
To schedule a consultation, call our office at 908-698-4436. You can also fill out our online contact form and a knowledgeable member of our staff will get back to you right away.