Dangers of a Missing Tooth: The Compounding Problem
Everyday tooth function suffers from a missing tooth. Difficulty eating or speaking may be the obvious negative effects of a missing tooth; however, there are several other ways the void left behind can harm your oral and overall health.
Here are the most common problems associated with missing teeth:
Malocclusion:
- caused by teeth drifting out of place to compensate for a missing tooth
- can cause bruxism (teeth grinding), jaw pain, excessive tooth wear, neck pain, and headaches
Jawbone deterioration:
- caused by the lack of stimulation from a tooth connected to the jawbone
- can cause alveolar necrosis, or jawbone death
Excessive tooth wear:
- caused by remaining teeth compensating for the missing tooth
- can cause enamel erosion, weak defenses against bacteria, and tooth decay
Dental Implants
Dr. Oliviero can help stop the harmful effects of missing teeth. At Dentistry on Broadway, we offer several restorative dentistry services that replace missing teeth and prevent further oral health issues. Dental implants most closely mimic your natural teeth than any other prosthetic. Many patients report they cannot feel the difference between the implant and their natural teeth because dental implants offer the security of connecting the tooth to the jawbone.
With implants, an artificial tooth root is made from a biocompatible titanium rod and is implanted into the jawbone. The bone fuses with the rod beneath the gum line, and a porcelain crown is attached to the implant. Securely anchored to the jawbone, the dental implant functions, feels, and looks like a natural tooth.
Dental Implants are Discreet and Convenient
In addition to security, dental implants offer discreet tooth replacement. Detailed fabrication and meticulous color matching make porcelain crowns look like real teeth. The porcelain not only looks authentic but it is also durable, resisting stains and standing up to normal tooth function. An added benefit of a dental implant is convenient oral hygiene. You can brush and floss your dental implant the same way you care for your natural teeth.
