However, when natural teeth are lost, it’s more than just unsightly; it can have a negative effect on one’s oral health and overall well-being. A missing tooth, especially in the back of your mouth, can compromise your ability to chew the foods whose nutrition is vital to your longevity and well-being. Here are some adverse health impacts of lost teeth that have yet to be replaced:

• Speech impediment — Because the position of your tongue depends so much on your teeth, loss of a particular tooth can result in the development of a lisp or other problems talking.
• Threat to adjoining teeth — The gap left by a missing tooth draws the adjoining teeth towards it, which may begin to lean and eventually become misaligned, leading to issues like TMJ disorder and bruxism.
• Bone loss — One lesser-known function of intact and healthy teeth is that chewing pressure promotes bone regeneration in the jaw. When that pressure is absent, bone loss may occur, complicating many tooth replacement procedures.
• Facial changes — Along with potential bone loss, missing teeth may cause facial sagging and other changes in the soft tissue around the mouth.

Because of how closely they resemble your natural teeth in form and function, dental implants are fast becoming the preferred option when replacing one or more missing teeth. This makes dental implants one of the longest-lasting teeth replacement options.  Each of the teeth you’re born with is connected to your jaw via your tooth root. A dental implant is locked into your jawbone via an artificial tooth root. This structure is a small titanium screw that is surgically placed in your jaw. After surgery, your artificial root heals in a process called osseointegration, where your bone grows entirely around your artificial root. Significant research into the longevity of dental implants shows promise, especially as implant techniques and technology advance. The longevity of your dental implant depends on the maintenance of routine dental visits, regular cleans and attention to your bone health. Don’t hesitate to call Edwards Dental to learn more about how a dental implant can restore your smile for decades to come.