The Impact of Missing Teeth
Tooth loss is a serious issue that affects over 120 million Americans. Along with negatively impacting your confidence, missing teeth can also put your oral health at risk of complications if not immediately corrected. That’s why our dentist Dr. Kovacevic specializes in dental implants to restore your smile by providing you with a beautiful, permanent tooth-replacement solution. The result is a beautiful set of teeth that both looks and feels completely natural, giving you a camera-ready smile that’s ready for any social situation.
Read our guide below to learn more about the consequences of tooth loss and how dental implants can help. Dr. Kovacevic and our helpful staff proudly serve patients residing in the Fort Allen, Bovard, and South Greensburg, PA areas.
1
Loss of Functionality
Tooth loss can impact your ability to speak and eat with ease. When you’re missing teeth, the strength of your bite is affected, and you may find it difficult to chew. This can also cause you to slur your words, making it harder to communicate with others. One of the benefits of dental implants is their ability to provide the rest of your restoration with a durable structure. That way, you can go back to eating your favorite foods and speaking with total confidence again.
2
Increased Risk of Oral Infection
Missing teeth can create gaps in your smile for harmful bacteria to breed. It can also make it more difficult to brush these hard-to-reach areas. As a result, this can increase your risk of developing cavities and gum disease, which would require invasive procedures to resolve. Additionally, bacteria that builds up in your mouth can travel through your blood vessels to your arteries, leading to cardiovascular issues such as heart disease, stroke, and more.
3
Jawbone Deterioration
Your teeth play an important role in stimulating your jawbone. If you have one or more missing teeth, it can cause your jawbone to deteriorate over time. As your bone tissues wear away, this can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of place, and cause issues with your bite alignment. Fortunately, dental implants are designed to be attached directly to your jawbone, providing it with the necessary stimulation it needs to promote healthy bone growth.
4
Premature Aging
Tooth loss that has been left untreated for too long can cause the skin around your jawline to eventually loosen and sag. This leads to hollow cheeks and premature wrinkles, leading to a sunken appearance. By preventing your jawbone from deteriorating and filling in any gaps with dental implants, you’ll be able to maintain your facial structure and give you a more youthful, attractive appearance.
5
Reduced Self-Confidence
Your smile’s appearance plays a crucial role in your appearance and making a great first impression. That’s why, if you have missing teeth, it can be difficult to be confident in how you look. You may begin to feel embarrassed, or find yourself not smiling in order to hide your teeth, hurting your ability to socialize and make friends. One of the benefits of dental implants is that they’re designed to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth for a natural look.
6
Anxiety & Unhappiness
Feeling embarrassed or ashamed in your smile can have a negative effect on your overall attitude and mood. Over time, you may even begin to feel anxious and depressed with the state of your teeth. This is because smiling plays an important role in brain chemistry, releasing an important chemical called endorphins that make you feel happy and relaxed. With dental implants, having a complete smile will encourage you to smile more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults?
The most common cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Fortunately, if you maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, you can avoid developing gum disease. In addition, you’ll want to schedule routine dental appointments with our Greensburg dentist so that he can assess your oral health. That way, we can perform any necessary treatment and avoid more invasive procedures.
What does a dead or dying tooth look like?
A dead tooth is one that’s no longer receiving a fresh supply of blood. A dying tooth may appear yellow, light brown, gray, or even black, depending on its severity. It may almost look as though the tooth is bruised. The discoloration will increase over time as the tooth continues to rot while the nerve dies. A dying tooth can cause some patients pain if left untreated.
How can tooth loss impact my overall health?
Teeth play an important role in your ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. Losing one or multiple teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and bacteria to accumulate under the gumline. This can cause gum disease and loss of bone tissue can occur. Call our Greensburg office at (724)-834-2089 to see how we can help restore your smile.
Are dental implants worth it?
Yes! Our patients enjoy the numerous benefits that come with dental implants. With dental implants, you never have to remove your fixture or worry about it slipping out of place. They’re easy to clean and maintain, and, best of all, your implants are custom-made to seamlessly blend in with your smile. Dental implants are worth it for the ease it puts on your mind alone.
Reverse the Effects of Tooth Loss With Dental Implants
Missing teeth not only negatively affect your overall confidence and appearance, but your wellbeing, as well. That’s why our expert dentist, Dr. Del Kovacevic, provides patients with beautiful, custom-made dental implants to help complete their smile. On top of that, these fixtures can protect your oral health and prevent further complications in the future.
Want to achieve your smile goals with dental implants? Contact our Greensburg practice by calling at (724) 834-2089 or by filling out the contact form below. Dr. Kovacevic and our helpful staff proudly serve patients in the Fort Allen, Bovard, and South Greensburg area.