Think a Missing Tooth in Trinity is No Big Deal?

dental implants Palm Harbor Missing Tooth in Trinity

Most people are uncomfortable with having a missing tooth in Trinity. This is especially true if it’s in the front of their mouth. You can argue that it’s not fair, but a gaping hole in a smile has negative connotations for adults in most social circles. And a gap-toothed smile doesn’t look as adorable as it did when you were in elementary school. 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 an individual 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?” 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 because a missing tooth in Trinity comes with its own issues. The aim 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 don’t frequently 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, 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 person with bone recession will eventually get that “sunken in” look that can make them look a lot older than they really are. A dental implant, unlike a dental bridge, maintains the foundation of the face.

Shifting Teeth

Another liability 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 typically moves outward from the bone. In addition to aesthetic ramifications, teeth that are displaced at risk of gum disease, decay, TMJ pain, or bite troubles. There will also be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions—compromising their strength as well.

A Smart Investment In Oral Health

Investing in a tooth implant could be far less expensive than treating the dental problems mentioned previously. If you have a missing tooth in Trinity and want to learn about tooth implants, call Prestige Dentistry at 727-789-1980 to set up an appointment. Our friendly staff and comfortable facility put our patients at ease.

Contact Prestige Dentistry:

727-789-1980

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

4140 Woodlands Pkwy Ste A
Palm Harbor, Florida
34685