The Dangers of Ignoring Missing Teeth: How Implants Prevent Bone Loss

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If you’re an older adult, you may have experienced losing a permanent tooth. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about; it happens to the best of us. But what you do after you lose a permanent tooth can make quite a bit of difference in how your remaining years go in terms of your teeth and gums. You see, it’s important not to just ignore a missing tooth. You might technically be able to get along without it, but you’re not doing yourself any favors, as your dentist in Albany, NY can tell you.

How Bone Loss Occurs After Tooth Loss

Teeth are anchored in the jawbone, and the bone relies on stimulation from chewing to maintain its density. When a tooth is missing, the lack of stimulation causes the bone in that area to weaken and shrink. Over time, this can lead to changes in facial appearance, such as sunken cheeks or premature aging. The longer a missing tooth goes untreated, the greater the bone loss becomes, making future replacement options more complex than they ever needed to be.

Why Dental Implants Are the Best Solution

Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants in Albany, NY replace both the visible part of the tooth and its root. The implant post, made of biocompatible titanium, integrates with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This restores the missing stimulation, preventing further bone deterioration and maintaining the natural structure of the jaw.

Ignoring missing teeth can lead to significant oral health complications that make matters worse, but dental implants provide a long-term solution that protects both your smile and jawbone. Consulting a dentist about implant options can help restore both function and aesthetics while maintaining overall oral health.

The Little-Known Consequences of Tooth Loss

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Many people don’t know that losing a tooth and not replacing it is a much bigger deal than they realize. People think they can do without that tooth. But that’s not the case. There are severe consequences for not replacing a missing tooth.

So, let’s talk about that for a moment, and then you can decide. Your dentist in Albany, NY, will then let you know your options.

The Little-Known Consequences of Tooth Loss

Take a look at what can happen if you don’t replace one or more missing teeth. The more missing teeth you have and don’t replace, the bigger your issues will be.

  • Jawbone Deterioration
  • Sunken Face (if you don’t have teeth, it will cause your face to sink in because there are no teeth in place to hold up your facial features)
  • Increased Risk of Jaw Fractures
  • Shifting Teeth
  • Bite Issues
  • Reduced Chewing Function
  • Impaired Speech Function
  • Gum Recession
  • Low Confidence and Self-Esteem

How Long Can You Go Without Replacing a Missing Tooth?

It’s better for your overall oral health to replace a missing tooth in Albany, NY, as soon as possible. However, with that being said, you can technically wait three to six months or so before replacing a tooth after an extraction, before it begins to severely affect your teeth, jawbone, and gums.

If you wait to replace missing teeth for longer than six months, it could lead to jawbone loss, shifting teeth, and having to perform additional dental procedures to correct the damage.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Albany, NY?

If you need to replace one or more missing teeth, please Contact Dental Wellness of Albany today to schedule an exam and consultation. We will take a look at your situation and provide you with a custom treatment plan that will help preserve your oral health, teeth, and facial features now and going forward.