If you’re missing teeth, considering a dental restoration could change many things about your life. Our Hinsdale dentist offers a number of options for restoring missing teeth, but restorations alone won’t recreate the stability and strength associated with a natural tooth. Only replacement tooth roots known as dental implants can provide support rivaling that of natural bone structure. This week’s blog post will focus on reasons for replacing missing teeth, the benefits of dental implants, and whether implants could be right for your restoration.

Why Replace Missing Teeth? Hinsdale Dentist Replies

In addition to impacting your smile and causing problems speaking and eating, spaces left by missing teeth increase the likelihood of any number of periodontal, structural, and bacterial problems, including:

• Periodontal disease – Gaps in teeth on the gum line are prone to bacteria collection, which leads to gum infection.
• Bone loss – Without a tooth to support, the bone below the lost tooth will lose function and disintegrate. Bone loss can lead to a change in your facial structure, and the area will not support a dental implant.
• Cavities – Just as bacteria collects at the gums, it does so at teeth neighboring the gap. This causes dental caries.
• Changes in facial structure – Without teeth to fill out your jaw, your face may appear to collapse in places.
• Tooth drift – Teeth will move to fill the empty space. This disrupts your bite and causes spacing and fit problems with your teeth.

How are dental implants the solution to these problems?

Because dental implants replace tooth roots, they essentially restore bone to the area. The titanium material of dental implants fuses naturally with your bone to create a stable structure. This structure can support any kind of dental restoration. Moreover, the restoration will feel comfortable and similar to your natural teeth.

Depending on your mouth, it could be imperative that you replace your missing teeth. Schedule a consultation with our Hinsdale dentist to learn more about what that means for you.