Given the many different reasons why you might lose your permanent teeth, it may come as no surprise that much of modern dentistry focuses on replacing lost teeth. Besides bringing youth and beauty back to your smile, replacement teeth are necessary to help you regain the ability to bite and chew your food properly. In many cases, dental implants can provide a more lifelike solution than other options, and their benefits include helping reduce your risks of tooth loss in the future.
Common Questions
Does everybody lose teeth eventually?
Although tooth loss affects millions of Americans as they grow older, it doesn’t have to affect everyone. With a lifetime of consistently good dental hygiene and care, you can retain all of your healthy, natural teeth by preventing the common causes of adult tooth loss, including;
- Untreated gum disease
- Severe tooth infection
- Necessary tooth extraction (i.e., if a tooth is severely damaged, or interferes with other restorative treatment)
- Accidental trauma
- And more
What happens if I don’t replace missing teeth?
Replacing your missing teeth is a choice. However, what happens to your dental health following tooth loss is a biological reaction that could lead to increasing dental damage, if not addressed. The space created between your existing teeth can throw your bite off balance, and they may shift towards it in response. The lack of a root in your jawbone can diminish how many nutrients your body sends to the area, resulting in the slow degradation and weakening of your jawbone. Also, the diminished ability to bite and chew can negatively affect your diet, making it more difficult to eat healthier foods, like fruits and vegetables.
How can dental implants improve my oral health after tooth loss?
Dental implants are small posts that are inserted into the jawbone, acting as anchors for an appropriate dental prosthesis. Whether one implant supports a crown, or several of them support a partial or complete denture, implants help maintain your jawbone’s strength and integrity by stimulating a healthier flow of nutrients. As the only option for replacing your lost teeth’s roots, implants can offer the best chance at preventing future tooth loss due to a weakened jawbone.
ABOUT YOUR BUTLER, PA, DENTIST:
Dr. Keelan and our dedicated team at Keelan Dental offer patients the comfortable, convenient dental care that everyone needs and deserves. To schedule an initial consultation, or your next dental appointment, call our office in Butler, PA at (724) 285-4153. We proudly welcome patients of all ages from Butler, Cranberry Township, Mars, Pittsburgh, Butler County, and all surrounding communities.