How Tooth Loss Affects Oral Health
Teeth are part of a system and one missing tooth can affect the entire oral health of a patient, including existing teeth, the gums, and the jawbone. Since teeth support one another, an empty tooth socket cannot hold teeth upright in their proper position. Over time, teeth near an empty socket will slide and shift out of place. This is why patients who have lost one tooth have a higher risk for losing more teeth.
Since part of the tooth, the roots, are located in the jawbone, tooth loss will eventually affect bone health, too. This is because once the roots are gone, the body will resorb bone mass in the jaw. Over time, this will affect the health of existing teeth and change the shape of a patient’s face. Changes in the jaw may lead to painful conditions like TMJ disorder, too.
How Dental Implants Restore Oral Function
Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth that replace both the crown and the root of a tooth. Made from a small titanium post and a custom crown, implants support adjacent teeth and the jawbone. Since implants are secured by jawbone fusing around the titanium post, patients enjoy complete restoration of oral function and a natural looking replacement tooth.
To learn more about the benefits of dental implants, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled oral surgeons. Call our office at 405-624-1300 today to book an appointment.