Missing a tooth can mean so much more than simply a gap in your smile. Your neighbouring teeth, gums, and even jaw bone could come under a lot of stress. This is why we strongly advise on dental implants if you are missing one or more teeth.

What You May Notice If You Don’t Replace Teeth With Dental Implants:

Your jaw bone

Your teeth are all connected to your jawbone via their individual tooth roots. The roots and your jawbone enjoy a mutually dependent relationship – your roots tell your jaw that the tooth is still present and therefore in need of its continued support, so the two stay strong for each other. However, when you lose a tooth your root dies, and the jaw stops receiving these ‘signals’. This leads to that area of bone becoming weak and spongey through a process called bone resorption. This may affect the stability of your tooth roots in the neighbouring teeth, but it can also impede your ability to receive implants in the future. Bone resorption also causes a loss of facial structure. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps to keep the bone strong because the titanium screw used as an artificial root invites the bone to heal around it. This fusing of metal and bone creates a strong tooth foundation but also keeps your jawbone healthy.

Your gums

One of the most common causes of adult tooth loss is gum disease, which occurs when bacteria, plaque, and tartar inflame the gum tissue and cause it to recede from the base of the teeth. Losing a tooth, or multiple teeth exposes your gums to further food debris and bacteria, leaving the area vulnerable. This will of course lead to the worsening of any symptoms of gum disease already present, especially concerning the stability of the teeth neighbouring the gap. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants helps to cover this area of newly exposed gum tissue, reducing the surface area and protecting a fairly sensitive part of your mouth. This can help prevent the worsening of gum disease symptoms as a result of missing teeth.

Your neighbouring teeth

Your teeth are more opportunistic than you’d think, and if there is a new gap in your smile then the neighbouring teeth may wander into this space. Misaligned teeth after losing a tooth (or multiple teeth) are very common, because the teeth on either side of the gap may drift and cause a variety of different problems. Through their new position, they can create uneven surfaces that are difficult to clean and thus lead to the onset of cavities, decay, and gum disease. Dental implants can also cause bite issues and sometimes discomfort through their unnatural positioning and how they function when eating or speaking. Filling gaps with dental implants helps keep the rest of your teeth in line, especially those neighbouring the gap, as the proper mouth function and feel have been restored before any wayward movements.

Dental implants in Wolverhampton

If you’re considering dental implants in Wolverhampton, get in touch with Claregate Dental today! We could help you transform the form, function, and feel of your mouth with reliable and sturdy tooth replacement. Call us on 01902 754 525 to book your initial consultation.