If someone loses a front tooth, they may be doing all they can to get that gap filled right away. It’s understandable, as many people don’t want to have a noticeable space in their smile! However, if you’re missing a back tooth, you may not be as quick to fix it. Although it might not be easily visible, it’s still important to pursue a replacement option. Continue reading to learn how replacing missing molars with dental implants is beneficial for you and your oral health.
1.) Protects Your Other Teeth
When you lose one of your molars, you risk future tooth loss because of that empty gap. The nearby teeth have to pick up the extra workload when eating, which can make them wear faster than usual. This extra pressure puts them at risk of decay or fractures. With this higher chance of damage, all it takes is one mishap that can potentially put them out of commission.
2.) Prevents Nearby Teeth from Drifting
Your teeth keep each other in line. They won’t move as long as they have their neighbors, but if you are missing one, then you may notice some drifting. You might end up with misalignment from your teeth shifting or experience overeruption. This is when the tooth that was opposite to the missing one no longer has that opposing force, so it tries to move out into that space. Dental implants help prevent this by keeping the nearby teeth in place, avoiding the need for orthodontics.
3.) Preserves Your Jawbone
The roots of your pearly whites stimulate your jawbone with every bite and chew you do. This tells your body to maintain its density and keep it healthy, but when you are missing the entire dental structure, you lose that signal as well. That area will start to get reabsorbed and cause bone loss. This can cause changes to the shape of your face, making you look older than you are.
Dental implants replace the entire missing tooth, from the roots to the part that sits above the gumline. It will help preserve your jawbone by giving it the stimulation it needs.
4.) Reduces Chances of Jaw Pain
Your molars are designed to crush and mash foods to start the digestive process. The premolars nearby are helpful with tearing and chewing your meals. If you are missing one of these, then that work might get shifted to the front of the teeth, which are not meant for these processes.
By changing the way you bite and chew, you might adjust the way your jaw moves when eating. This may create an imbalance that puts excess stress on your jaw joints, leading to discomfort. Dental implants can help restore your bite to how it was, so you can enjoy your favorite foods in comfort.
Just because you can’t easily see your missing back teeth, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t replace them! Many benefits come from replacing a tooth besides an aesthetic fix. With the proper care, dental implants are a reliable solution that gives you a full smile for a lifetime!
About the Practice
At Alpharetta Modern Dentistry, you are in the hands of two skilled dentists who are dedicated to you and your oral health. We understand how missing teeth can affect your daily life and offer dental implants as a way to replace them. By completing the entire process under one roof, you enjoy the convenience of staying with a team that you trust. If you want to fill gaps in your smile, schedule an appointment or callus at (470) 282-5157.