While several different issues can lead to tooth loss, this issue is most commonly caused by complications stemming from serious gum disease. That being said, tooth loss stemming from any cause can complicate your oral health condition, and your life, if you leave it unaddressed. Daily jaw functions can be compromised, and you could develop TMJ problems, which can be painful. You are also at risk for more tooth loss. You can see a serious improvement to your condition when you address the problem of missing teeth with dental implants. By having your restoration secured by an implant, you can see a real functional and cosmetic improvement that improves your daily life, and brings back your full smile.
1. You Can Be Self-Conscious When You Smile
One of the most immediate, and frustrating, problems you can face after tooth loss is the toll it can take on your confidence. You could find yourself trying to hide your teeth from view, even to the point that you avoid smiling.
2. You Can Develop Problems With Your Jaw
The adjustments you make to work around gaps in your smile when you bite and chew can lead you to strain your jaw joints, and develop TMJ problems. A stable dental prosthetic can help with this issue. However, only an implant-secured restoration can address the problem of jawbone resorption. This occurs when your jawbone is no longer receiving stimulation from the tooth, and begins to deteriorate. An implant can produce the stimulation needed to keep nutrients delivered to the surrounding bone.
3. You Could Lose More Teeth
With less support for teeth around a gap, many patients will suffer additional tooth loss when they do nothing about a missing tooth.