Several negative effects can potentially develop following tooth loss. Fortunately, there is a solution: dental implants can restore your smile and reverse many of the unwanted side effects of a missing tooth.
Here at Trabuco Hills Dentistry in Mission Viejo, CA, Dr. Ami Kagalwala and Dr. Jay Friedman can determine if you are a candidate for this exciting tooth-replacement solution.
Side Effects of Tooth Loss
In addition to leaving gaps in your smile, tooth loss can also lead to facial sagging. This is because teeth provide support for the muscles in the face. When teeth are missing, there is less support, leading to a droopy appearance. Speech can also be affected by tooth loss, as teeth usually help guide the tongue when speaking. When teeth are missing, the tongue can slip into the gaps and affect the way you speak.
Another negative effect of tooth loss is excess wear and tear on teeth. The remaining teeth sometimes endure additional strain as they compensate for missing ones, which can cause those teeth to become worn down. For some individuals, other side effects of tooth loss can include lower self-confidence, hesitancy to smile, and difficulty eating certain foods.
How Dental Implants Help
Dental implants are a long-term and possibly permanent solution to tooth loss. Dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, enabling them to securely hold artificial teeth in place without the risk of the teeth coming loose. In that way, dental implants function similarly to a tooth root. Dental implants can be placed in conjunction with crowns, bridgework, or implant-supported overdentures to restore your smile.
Since dental implants help fill in the gaps where teeth are missing, many of the negative effects of tooth loss diminish or are eliminated. To be a candidate for dental implants, it is necessary to have sufficient bone density to support implant placement. The skilled dental professionals at our office in Mission Viejo, CA, can determine if dental implants are an option for you.
Call Us
Tooth loss can result in several negative effects, but dental implants can help. To learn more about dental implants, call Trabuco Hills Dentistry in Mission Viejo, CA, at (949) 859-1400.