Most people associate missing teeth with loss due to injury or severe decay. However, some people are born with missing teeth. Like teeth lost to trauma or other issues, these teeth can be replaced with dental implants.
It is not uncommon for some people to have teeth that never arrive. This is particularly common in the case of wisdom teeth—some people are born with only two or three instead of the full complement of four. Other teeth can be missing, as well, simply because you were born without them. In most cases, this is little more than a minor inconvenience, though sometimes it’s a symptom of a more serious genetic condition.
If you have missing wisdom teeth, chances are good that you won’t have to undergo any kind of treatment. Most people have to have their wisdom teeth removed, anyway, so not having them could save you from an extraction. However, if your missing teeth cause your other teeth to move out of proper alignment, you should consider having them replaced. [pullquote]Some people are born with missing teeth. Like teeth lost to trauma or other issues, these teeth can be replaced with dental implants.[/pullquote]
The most natural-looking, comfortable, and long-lasting method to replace missing teeth is with dental implants. Implants are placed directly in the jawbone, giving your new tooth a secure anchor and ensuring the long-term health of your jaw. An oral surgeon will set the implants in place, then your prosthetic tooth or teeth is added after the implant has healed. Having the empty space filled with a prosthetic tooth will keep the rest of your teeth from moving out of their proper position, preventing eventual problems like misalignment, bruxism, and other issues that can cause severe damage to your teeth.
If you have congenitally missing teeth, consult with your dentist or an oral surgeon to determine if dental implants would be a good choice for replacement. Unless the missing teeth are wisdom teeth, the rest of your mouth will probably stay healthier if you do choose to fill the empty space.
Contact the Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas for more information on dental implants today.