Losing a tooth can have a significant effect on the oral environment. The inside of the mouth is an eco-system of its own, consisting of many structures such as the bones, muscles, ligaments, gums, and of course, the teeth, all of which work together to produce various movements of the jaws. However, it can be easy to put off getting a dental implant when you’ve lost a tooth (or teeth). What are the best reasons why you shouldn’t wait for your dental implant?
When even one of these structures goes missing or is damaged – most commonly the teeth – it means that this ecosystem would be compromised in many ways, as we’ll demonstrate in a bit. Knowing that, it is not a question of why, but when to replace your teeth with dental implants.
So, let’s explore these reasons. But first, we’ll talk about consequences.
Consequences of Losing a Tooth
In normal cases, the teeth all touch each other ever so lightly in areas known as contact areas. This light touch keeps the teeth in place, and therefore all other structures as well. When one tooth goes missing, the contact areas disappear as well, leading to the following:
- The teeth next to the missing tooth lose their support and therefore start tilting into the empty space.
- The tooth opposite the missing tooth also loses its contact, so it elongates without a barrier.
- The bone into which the tooth was situated starts to recede and degrade.
- The tongue which was normally supported by all the teeth suddenly finds an empty space. As a result, it creeps into that space, and you may start biting your tongue more often.
- The gums start to recede as well due to loss of support.
5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Your Dental Implant
1. Avoiding All the Consequences Mentioned Above
All the mentioned consequences can be easily avoided if the lost tooth is replaced promptly by an implant. The implant replaces the tooth and all its functions, mainly the support it provides for all the structures.
2. Lower Cost
When the tooth is replaced soon, the procedure is usually straightforward, and therefore it would cost far less than when you wait and many corrective procedures such as bone grafting would be needed.
3. Easier Procedure
Again, if the replacement is attempted early, less time and less effort are required for the surgery.
4. Fewer Chances of Complication
While complications of dental implant surgery are usually minimal, a simpler surgery means simpler recovery and fewer chances of complications
5. Fewer Required Visits
It usually all comes down to one or two visits. One to plan and do all the scans required, and one for the surgery itself, which is usually pretty simple. On the other hand, if you wait, the planning phase alone may take 2 or 3 visits until a suitable treatment plan can be reached.
Dental implants are a true marvel of dentistry and an option that solves every problem and causes the smallest number of complications. They last longer, look better, and do no damage to the surrounding structures. We just went through 5 reasons why you shouldn’t wait for your dental implant. As a result, we hope to see you soon for a consultation!
To consult with one of our oral surgeons, call IOSC at (423) 296-8210 to set up an appointment. We’d love to help you re-attain your healthy smile!
