Consequences of Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is, unfortunately, a common problem among adults. Whether the result of injury or decay, losing a tooth leads to a variety of issues. Dental implants offer a permanent, comfortable, and convenient solution.

Problems Related to Tooth Loss

When even a single tooth is missing from your mouth, other teeth tend to shift into the empty space. This can push teeth out of alignment, changing your bite. When your bite shifts out of proper alignment, teeth can suffer from abnormal wear and tear, leading to additional tooth loss. You might also feel discomfort from the teeth moving, or begin to experience symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder if the misalignment shifts this joint out of proper position. [pullquote]Dental implants offer a permanent, comfortable, and convenient solution. [/pullquote]

Missing teeth also can lead to degeneration of your jawbone. Under normal conditions, the root of your tooth helps stimulate growth of bone tissue in the jaw. If the tooth is missing, the root is no longer there to keep the bone strong and healthy. Over time, degeneration of the jawbone can change the shape of your face.

Solutions for Tooth Loss

Although there are many options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often the preferred solution. Implants replace the tooth from the root up, unlike dentures, which replace only the visible portion of the tooth. Implants are permanent and virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. Having your missing teeth replaced with dental implants will help keep your other teeth properly aligned, preventing unnatural wear and keeping your jaw healthy.

Other advantages to implants include:

  • Implants do not have to be removed for cleaning
  • Implants do not require special cleaning solutions
  • Implants do not shift around in the mouth
  • Implants do not have to be periodically refitted

If you have missing teeth, a consultation with our implant dentist can help you see what implants can do for you. To find out how you can have new teeth with a natural look and feel, call The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas today.