Do you have missing teeth? You're not alone. Millions of Americans are missing at least one tooth, according to the American College of Prosthodontists. Tooth loss isn't just a cosmetic problem. but can also cause a few other issues. Fortunately, your Erie, PA, dentist, Dr. Roseanne Palermo, can help you restore missing teeth and improve your appearance with dental implants.
How tooth loss affects you
Losing one or more teeth can cause these issues:
- Decreased Confidence: Without a full smile, you may no longer feel that you look your best. Concerns about your appearance may prompt you to turn down social invitations or try new things. In some cases, missing teeth may even affect your job prospects.
- Shifting Teeth: When you lose one or more teeth, your remaining teeth may drift in an attempt to fill the gap in your smile. Shifting teeth not only affect your appearance but may also change your bite, the way your upper and lower teeth fit together.
- More Cavities: If your teeth begin to overlap due to shifting, you may find it difficult to remove plaque from the overlapping areas.
- Trouble Chewing: Tooth loss makes chewing and biting challenging, even if you've only lost one tooth. When you've lost several teeth, you may not able to chew food completely before swallowing, which may cause an upset stomach. Although eating a soft diet may seem like a good compromise, you may not get the nutrients you need to stay healthy if your diet isn't well-rounded.
- Difficulty Speaking Clearly: Your teeth, tongue and lips work together when you make sounds. When several teeth are missing, it may be difficult to correctly pronounce words and sounds.
- Jawbone Resorption: Jawbone resorption, or shrinking, can occur after tooth loss. The condition can eventually cause teeth to loosen and may contribute to facial sagging.
Dental implants offer a long-lasting restoration option
Dental implants rebuild your lost teeth from top to bottom. Implants are small posts added to your jawbone during minor oral surgery in Erie. The posts serve as replacement roots and are made of titanium, a metal that bonds to bones.
Connecting dental crowns to the tops of implants restore your lost teeth and improve your appearance and biting ability. Since dental implants are firmly attached to your jawbone just like natural roots, you won't experience any decrease in biting power. Implants also prevent shifting teeth and jawbone resorption and help you avoid speech difficulties.
No matter how many teeth you've lost, dental implants offer an effective way to complete your smile.
Are you ready to restore your smile with dental implants? Call your dentist in Erie, PA, Dr. Palermo, at (814) 833-3001 to learn more.
