Some people who lose a back tooth question whether to replace it. After all, it doesn’t show when you smile and there are other teeth to take over the chewing functions. At The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City, we assure you: there are very good reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant.
1. The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting.
If a tooth tips, moves, or rotates, it can influence the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone (over-eruption). Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.
2. The underlying bone will eventually pull back.
Without the tooth root, the jaw bone recedes. This changes the shape of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decrease in supporting bone. The vertical shortening advances and becomes more pronounced as you get older.
3. There will be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions.
This can lead to excessive wear, fracture, or pain.
If you have a missing back tooth, a dental implant may be just what you need. To schedule an appointment, call us at The Sugar House Dentist in Salt Lake City for an appointment.
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
