How can artificial teeth help to preserve your natural teeth? There is no doubt that the widespread use of dental implants has changed the way we think about dental health. Your periodontist understands the importance of the purpose that each tooth serves. Your periodontist also recognizes the fact that, in the event that a tooth is missing, it should be replaced with the best available substitute.
Replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant can rebuild your confidence and complete your smile. Your periodontist will tell you that dental implants also have a tremendous impact on your other, natural, teeth.
Implants help to improve your chewing efficiency. Your top and bottom teeth were designed to work together. The front teeth were designed for biting and tearing foods, and the back teeth were designed for chewing or grinding foods. When a tooth is missing, the opposing tooth becomes ineffective and unable to perform its function. Replacing a missing tooth not only fills an empty space, but also enables the opposing tooth to be more effective.
Implants can stabilize your bite and prevent shifting. In the absence of a tooth, neighboring teeth are prone to shifting and drifting into the empty space. Although many patients may consider shifted and crowded teeth to be an insignificant cosmetic issue, the actual consequences are far more severe. As teeth shift, oral hygiene becomes increasingly difficult. This heightens the risk for periodontal disease and tooth decay. Simply filling the empty space with a dental implant will help to maintain the position of the surrounding teeth.
Dental implants help to halt bone loss. Extensive bone loss can occur at the location of a missing tooth. As the bone loss progresses, it can begin to reduce the bone support for the adjacent teeth. Since dental implants are integrated with the jaw bone, the bone is held in place and bone loss is no longer a concern.
Dental implants not only fill the void left by missing teeth, they also play a major role in preserving your remaining natural teeth. Schedule a visit with our periodontist serving the DFW area to discuss your dental implant options.