Consequences of a Single Tooth Loss

Most people do not consider the loss of a single tooth to be a serious situation. However, even one missing tooth can compromise the positioning and alignment of the rest of your teeth. If you have lost even one tooth, consult with our implant dentist to find out how replacing the tooth can ensure the long-term health of all your remaining teeth.

Effects of a Missing Tooth

When even one tooth is missing, space is created in the mouth. The rest of the teeth automatically move to fill that space. Unfortunately, this movement can cause the other teeth to become misaligned, crooked, or to overlap each other. Your smile, your self-confidence, and your oral health can be compromised.

When teeth move out of position in the mouth, some of the results include:

  • Discomfort as the teeth move
  • Uneven wear
  • Premature wear
  • Chipping or cracking
  • Malocclusion
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder

Tooth replacement options can help prevent these problems. One of the most effective forms of tooth replacement is the dental implant.

Replacing Your Teeth With Dental Implants

consist of a titanium screw that replaces the tooth root and a prosthetic tooth that replaces the visible portion of the tooth. Titanium bonds to bone, unlike other metals. This means the new root will remain very stable and will help stimulate the jawbone to grow. [pullquote]One of the most effective forms of tooth replacement is the dental implant.[/pullquote]

Replacing a single tooth with an implant is much easier than replacing it with a bridge or fixed denture. Bridges require that the adjacent teeth be altered to support the replacement tooth, either to make room for wires to hold the new tooth in place or to accept crowns on either side of the missing tooth. With implants, your dentist can place a single tooth root in the jawbone and add the visible portion, or the crown, without making any alterations to the adjacent teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth, please contact our office, serving Highlands Ranch and the surrounding areas, to learn how dental implants can help you.