There are a lot of negative consequences that come with having missing teeth. Even if you are only missing one tooth there are side effects that can have long term consequences. Dental implants are an option that can mitigate and even eliminate most of the issues related to having a missing tooth. Dental implants are not the right option for everyone they may be able to help you. Even if you are unsure about whether dental implants are right for you, it is still worth exploring the option.

Acts as replacement root

One reason to consider getting dental implants is that they can act as a replacement root. When you lose a tooth, you lose the root along with it. Loosing a root can lead to bone loss in your jaw. This is a progressive issue and will continue to worsen over time. As bone loss worsens, it can lead to you losing other teeth as well. The process of getting a dental implant puts a post into your jawbone. The post acts as a replacement root and functions in much the same way as a natural root. The dental implant and your jawbone will eventually fuse together and prevent further bone loss.

Keeps surrounding teeth from shifting

A big problem with losing a tooth is that the surrounding teeth will start to shift when there is a void. Shifting teeth may not sound like a big issue but they can lead to serious problems. For example, if your teeth shift it can cause your bite to get out of alignment. This can make it difficult to eat correctly and even lead to grinding your teeth while you sleep. A dental implant can prevent shifting of other teeth so you do not encounter those consequences.

Restore function

Dental implants can restore the function of the teeth that you lost. On top of the post that is implanted into your bone there is a replacement tooth. The replacement tooth can function in the same way that your lost tooth functioned. You can eat and treat your dental implant normally once it is placed.

Replace the overall look of your smile

Dental implants can also replace the overall look of your smile. A well-designed dental implant can look natural and become a beautiful part of your smile. Your dentist can fit you with a dental implant that works to restore the look of your teeth so you can smile again with confidence.

The benefits that dental implants can provide make them worth considering whether you are missing one or several teeth. The only way to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to work closely with your dentist. Your dentist will assess the condition of your gums, jawbone, and other teeth to determine if dental implants will work for you.