Think A Missing Back Tooth Is No Big Deal?

dental implants Salt Lake CityPeople who lose a front tooth usually makes a plan for a dental restoration ASAP. A dental implant from The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City is an ideal solution.

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?” the thinking goes. “I have other teeth back there, I can chew with those.” If the tooth had been hurting, sometimes they are so relieved that the pain is gone, they consider the extraction the final answer.

This attitude is unfortunate. The purpose of this article is to dispel the myth that a missing back tooth has no consequences.

Bone Recession

Since we can’t see the bone that anchors our tooth roots, we may not consider its condition. Yet 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. A man or woman with bone recession will eventually get that “sunken in” look that can make them look a lot older than they really are. A tooth implant, unlike a dental bridge, preserves the framework of the face.

Shifting Teeth

Another vulnerability is shifting teeth. If teeth adjacent to the extraction site start moving, it can create a domino effect. The unopposed tooth on the opposite arch can also move, though it usually moves outward from the bone (over-eruption).

In addition to esthetic considerations, teeth that are displaced in danger of gingivitis, decay, TMJ pain, or bite issues. 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 pricey than treating the dental problems mentioned previously. If you have a missing back tooth and want to learn whether implants are a good option for you, call The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City.

Contact The Sugar House Dentist:

801-618-0197

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

1955 S 1300 E Ste L2
Salt Lake City, Utah
84105

 

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