Do I really need to replace a tooth that’s not visible in the smile?

When we first lose a tooth in adulthood, one of our primary concerns is how a lost tooth will affect our appearance. Sometimes, when a tooth at the back of one’s mouth goes missing, patients might be tempted to forego receiving a replacement tooth because it is not as much as an aesthetic issue as a tooth that is in a more obvious location. Unfortunately, not replacing a missing tooth can have negative effects on your oral health and well-being. One of the best ways to replace a single missing tooth is with a dental implant. A dental implant is a titanium prosthetic that functions like a tooth’s root. Our dentist is well acquainted with implant dentistry and has the expertise and technology to embed dental implants so that oral function and one’s appearance is restored.

Why is it important to replace a less visible tooth?

While a less visible tooth does not have as big an impact on your smile as one of your anterior teeth, having an empty tooth socket can put your other teeth in danger. Our teeth support each other. When one is missing, teeth can shift into empty tooth sockets because they lack adequate support. Additionally, the absence of one tooth will only put excessive force and pressure on other teeth during oral function – increasing the risk for developing worn dentition. Lastly, without teeth, the bone that once surrounded a tooth’s root can become atrophied due to lack of stimulation.

How can a dental implant help?

A dental implant can potentially solve all the negative effects associated with tooth loss. First, a dental implant will become the durable base that holds a prosthetic crown. The implant and the crown will keep neighboring teeth in their proper positions with enough support. A dental implant and its restoration (the crown) will also evenly distribute the force associated with chewing and tearing food. Lastly, dental implants function like the roots of teeth, which means that the bone where a lost tooth was will remain active and stimulated so that patients are less likely to experience bone atrophy.

If you have questions about implant dentistry, call Charlottesville Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center to reserve a consultation.