While there are many aesthetic reasons to replace missing or extracted teeth, you may not be aware of the health reasons to get dental implants or dental bridges. When you are missing teeth, your gum and jawline are susceptible to shrinkage and decay, and are less likely to hold their original shape. The open spaces in your smile can also lead to issues with brushing and flossing, and leave your remaining teeth open to tartar build up and even cavities. Here are some of the reasons why getting your missing or extracted teeth replaced can be crucial to your dental health.

Jaw Bone Degeneration

Once teeth have been removed from your jaw, there is less of a surface for the jawline to cling to. This can result in the decay of the jaw bone from its original form, which can lead to both aesthetic and oral health issues down the road. The installation of a dental implant gives the jawline a surface similar to the removed tooth or teeth, and can help stay the course of the decay. Dental implants are attached to the jawbone itself through surgery, and act as a replacement for your original tooth’s root system. They can help stop further jaw degeneration and can replace the aesthetic appearance of a full set of teeth.

Spacing Issues

Another issue that can face people who have had teeth removed is spacing issues in the jaw. If your tooth was removed due to decay or other reasons, you can be left with a gaping hole in your mouth. Over time, the remaining teeth can shift in your mouth towards the open space. This can cause issues with spacing and bite alignment over time. However, a dental implant or bridge is custom made to fit your bite alignment and prevent those subtle but costly shifts in your bite.

Decay Pockets

While removing a decaying or diseased tooth is imperative to your dental health, the remaining spot left behind may require additional care to ensure no further issues present themselves. In the case of a single removed tooth, the adjacent teeth are now exposed to food deposits and plaque build up on a new surface. This can lead to an increase in the chance of these teeth acquiring cavities or other decay issues. Similarly, the remaining pocket left behind where the tooth was can be difficult to clean, especially if it is located in the molar area of the mouth. Without proper care, this pocket can be more susceptible to periodontal disease than the rest of the mouth. This can be remedied with a dental implant or bridge, as they act as replacements for your original teeth and can protect against these issues.

Your oral health is important to you, and important to us. Getting a dental bridge or implant can help preserve your oral health and bite alignment, as well as the aesthetic benefit of a full set of teeth. If you are interested in getting a dental implant or bridge, contact Crossland Dental Associates to set up an appointment for a consultation today.