If you are missing one or more teeth, you are not alone: according to the American College of Prosthodontists, 120 million Americans have a gap in their smile. A missing tooth can be highly visible and a major source of embarrassment in social or work settings, which is why many people seek to repair their smile through cosmetic dentistry. However, even if a tooth is missing from the back of your mouth, it is important to replace it with an artificial tooth. Otherwise, the gap in your teeth could have a negative impact on your oral health and quality of life. Fortunately, dental implants in North Dallas can restore both the appearance and the natural function of your smile.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a titanium post that is inserted into the jawbone beneath the gums and fuses with the bone to provide a safe, sturdy base for a new artificial tooth. Dental implants mimic the natural root structure of teeth to provide maximum strength and support, so patients can eat, speak and smile normally again.
With a success rate of around 98%, dental implants are an effective way to rejuvenate a flawed smile and preserve one’s oral health. You may be an excellent candidate for dental implants if you have:
- Healthy gums
- Sufficient jawbone depth
- Good oral hygiene habits
Why You Should Fill the Gaps in Your Smile
Filling in the gaps in your smile with a dental implant is about more than just improving your outward appearance – replacing a missing tooth is also important to maintaining your overall oral health and quality of life. Here are 5 negative impacts of missing teeth:
- Shifting Teeth – Adjacent teeth may drift over time into the empty space left by a missing tooth, making it more difficult to properly clean your teeth and impacting your bite.
- Bite Irregularities – Missing one or more teeth can drastically impact the way your teeth fit together, which in turn can affect the health of your gums, remaining teeth, head, neck and jaw.
- Bone Loss – Teeth help stimulate and support the jawbone. Without a full set of teeth, the jawbone can slow shrink away, just like an unused muscle will atrophy.
- Difficulty Eating – Missing front teeth can make it difficult to break off bite-sized pieces of food. Missing molars, on the other hand, make it harder to grind tough foods like meat.
- Trouble Speaking – Missing teeth can make it more difficult to pronounce certain words. If you have gaps in your smile, you may experience whistling, slurring or even spitting when speaking with others.
Whether you are motivated by a desire to rejuvenate your appearance or restore the ability to eat and speak with confidence, dental implants can help boost your quality of life. Talk to a dentist in North Dallas today to see if dental implants are the right solution for you.
About the Author
A proud graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry, Dr. Dale Greer was recently recognized as “One of the Best Dentists in Dallas” by D Magazine. Dr. Greer’s pursuit of excellence has led him to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry – one of only 306 dentists in the world to achieve that status. Patients interested in rejuvenating their smile can contact the “Texas Super Dentist” via his website or by calling the office at 972-233-4546.
