Most people are uncomfortable with a missing tooth in the front of their mouth. It isn’t fair, but a gaping hole in a smile has negative connotations for adults in most social circles. At Koch Park Dental in Florrisant, we have a solution.
A person who loses a front tooth usually makes a plan for a dental restoration ASAP. And few dental patients forego a temporary denture while awaiting a permanent restoration.
When a person loses a back tooth, on the other hand, they are more likely to leave the gap. “You can’t really see it when I smile, right? I have another molar back there, I can chew with that one.” If the tooth had been hurting, sometimes they are so relieved that the pain is gone, they consider the extraction the final step.
This attitude is unfortunate. There can be serious consequences if you’re missing a back tooth.
Bone Recession
Since we can’t see the bone that anchors our tooth roots, we don’t often consider its condition. The health of our jawbone plays an essential role in overall oral health. When a tooth is extracted, the bone at the extraction site shrinks and recedes over time. Since a dental implant replaces the tooth root (as well as the visible part), it maintains the health of the bone. In so doing, it also protects the bone for the adjacent teeth.
The jawbone is the foundation of the lower face. If it shrinks and recedes, everything that sits on top of it will follow suit. An individual with bone recession will eventually get that “sunken in” look that can make them look a lot older than they really are. A permanent dental implant, unlike a dental bridge, maintains the structure of the face.
Shifting Teeth
Another risk is shifting teeth. If teeth adjacent to the extraction site start moving, it can generate a domino effect. The unopposed tooth on the opposite arch can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone (over-eruption).
In addition to esthetic ramifications, teeth that are displaced in danger of periodontal disease, decay, TMJ pain, or bite problems. There will also be extra stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions—compromising their strength as well.
A Smart Investment In Oral Health (And You’ll Look Better, Too!)
Investing in a dental implant could be far less expensive than treating the dental problems mentioned previously. To find out more about them call us at Koch Park Dental in Florissant. We also offer general dentistry. Schedule an appointment today.
Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:
205-933-0323
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033
