If you have a missing tooth or teeth, you may be wondering what you should do next. Should you just leave a gap between your teeth or have the tooth replaced? Sure, having your tooth replaced will be more expensive, but what are the consequences of not having the tooth replaced?

Many people don’t realize that our teeth do much more than just help us eat; they keep our other teeth in the correct positions, our jawbones healthy, and our facial structures appearing full and healthy. Unfortunately, missing just one tooth may have a huge impact on your appearance and oral health. This is why dental implants are so beneficial.

Your tooth root is responsible for your jaw health and supporting your facial structures. Unlike other restorative options, dental implants don’t just replace your tooth — they replace your tooth root with a titanium post that is later fitted with a crown.

Continue reading to learn more about the top five benefits of dental implants.

1.    Better quality of life

Dental implants restore the freedom to laugh, speak, and eat comfortably and confidently. There are no eating restrictions with dental implants, so you can enjoy all the foods you enjoyed before your missing tooth!

An improved smile will also give you a boost of confidence that can improve your relationships, job success, and emotional well-being.

2.    Lifelong, cost-effective solution

When properly maintained with good oral hygiene habits, dental implants can last a lifetime. No other dental restorations are expected to last this long.

So, although the procedure may be longer and a little more expensive than other restorations, patients who choose dental implants save money in the long run.

3.    Healthier neighboring teeth

Implant-supported crowns don’t require support from the neighboring teeth. With dental bridges, the enamel on the adjacent teeth needs to be removed to support the bridge. This can weaken your teeth and cause more problems later on.

With dental implants, your neighboring teeth are actually strengthened and supported. Without this restoration, it’s likely that the adjacent teeth would begin to move into the gap affecting your bite and appearance.

4.    Prevents bone loss

Did you know that within a year of having a missing tooth, you can lose 25 percent of your supporting bone structure? While dental bridges will keep your teeth aligned, they can’t stop jawbone deterioration from occurring.

When you choose dental implants, the titanium post fuses to your jawbone and stops reabsorption from happening. Without the implant, your jawbone will begin to deteriorate, leaving your face with a sunken appearance.

5.    High success rate

Dental implants have the highest success rate compared to all other tooth replacement options. Clinical studies have proved dental implants to be over 95 percent successful, and those success rates don’t decrease over time. So, whether you’ve had your dental implant for one year or fifty, your chances of having it replaced are extremely low.

Contact Your Grant Park Dentist Today

The consequences of not replacing a missing tooth or teeth are too great. Don’t let your mouth and appearance suffer when there is an effective solution available!

Dr. Abbey J. Lee at Smiles 4 Grant Park can restore your smile and appearance with a natural-looking, long-lasting dental implant. Contact our office today at 404-328-7177 to schedule your initial consultation.