Replace Missing Teeth

Replace Missing Teeth

Dentist in Vancouver WA

Why should you replace missing teeth?

The surface answer to this question is to have a great smile and improve one’s self-esteem. But, as the patient loses teeth, many physiological things happen. In the image posted, notice that a person with all their teeth has great bone height, width and volume. As the patient begins to lose its teeth it starts to cause bone reduction. Therefore, after 5 years without teeth, the jawbone would look like the second image because the bone that supported the missing teeth starts to resorb and will deteriorate without something in the place of the tooth to stimulate bone growth. Then, after 15+ years it’ll look like the third image. There is a nerve that runs in the middle of the jawbone, as the bone begins to diminish, this nerve is getting closer to being exposed, causing the patient pain and not being able to enjoy their food. The face begins to collapse, and the patient starts to develop wrinkles in the corners of the mouth and on the cheeks, which makes the overall look of the face less full.

Not only could missing teeth affect your face, it can also affect your overall health and the health of your mouth. The teeth that are adjacent to those missing may shift or tilt into the vacant spot. The remaining teeth can become loose, can lead to gum problems, and may even cause headaches since the bite force is different than when you have all your teeth.

If you have lost your teeth or are losing your teeth, you can replace missing teeth with the dental implant or mini dental implant procedure would help to prevent this problem. Dental implants act as natural tooth roots, preventing further bone loss and stimulating new bone growth. This process is called osseointegration, where the bone tissue in the jaw biologically fuses with the surface of the implants.