If you have a tooth extracted or having a missing tooth, it’s important that you don’t wait too long to get dental implants to replace your missing teeth. Waiting too long can lead to bone loss, affect the way you speak and chew and cause tooth decay and gum disease. At The Smile Centre, we encourage you to get an implant as soon as possible for several reasons.
Appearance
Having a missing tooth can affect your self-confidence and the way you feel about yourself. If you go too long with a missing tooth, it can completely change the way you look. Over time, your cheeks may even begin to sag, which can make you look older than you are.
Speaking
When you have a missing tooth, it can be hard to correctly pronounce and enunciate words. This may create a lisp or change the way you speak. If you are uncomfortable speaking in public, you may become withdrawn over time.
Shifting Teeth
If there is an empty spot in your mouth, your remaining teeth may shift, completely changing the way your smile looks. As the teeth shift, it becomes harder to reach certain places when you are brushing and flossing. Left untreated, this can lead to periodontal disease and additional lost teeth.
Jawbone Deterioration
Once the tooth is missing, the root is no longer in the jawbone. The root works to stimulate the jawbone to regenerate growth, and when you wait too long to replace it, you may require a bone graft before an implant can be placed.
Implants are titanium rods that are placed in the jawbone that function just like the root. If there is not adequate bone density to support the rod, you will require surgery before an implant can be placed.
Contact Us
If you have missing teeth, don’t wait too long to find a suitable replacement and treatment option to protect your mouth. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with a dentist in Sarasota, FL, such as Dr. Stanley.