Do you suspect that you may require an extraction, due to a dental issue that was left untreated? Perhaps your dentist has already informed you that you need an extraction to deal with a badly infected tooth. Untreated gum disease and other oral health issues can also cause adult teeth to fall out. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in America. Fortunately, there are now more ways of coping with tooth loss than ever before, including dental implants. Dental implants are the most stable and secure way to complete a smile after tooth loss, so if you need a prosthetic tooth, consider the unique benefits that dental implants can provide.
When Dental Prosthetics Are Needed?
There are a number of compelling reasons to seek prosthetic treatment, if you have lost a tooth or if you have an extraction scheduled. While the cosmetic benefits of completing a smile might be most apparent, there are serious functional issues to consider as well.
For instance, patients that experience adult tooth loss can find it difficult to chew effectively and comfortably, particularly if the heavily-used back teeth are the ones that have been lost. Over time, difficulty chewing can lead to problems maintaining proper nutrition.
Another reason completing a smile is important, is because lost teeth can negatively affect the alignment of remaining teeth. Over time, the teeth nearest to the one that has been lost will often try to shift to fill the created gap, leading to misalignment.
Prosthetics like dental implants, allow you to protect your teeth’s existing alignment, not to mention improve the overall function and appearance of your smile!