If you’re like most people, you probably take your teeth for granted. You might not think about them until something goes wrong – like when one of them goes missing due to injury or illness. At this point, your dentist may recommend a dental implant to fill the gap that your former tooth has left behind. But what happens if you don’t get dental implants? In this blog post, we will discuss the consequences of not getting dental implants and why they are such an important treatment option.
The Bone Can Atrophy
One of the primary risks of not getting a dental implant is that the bone where your missing tooth used to be can start to atrophy, or shrink away. This is because the root of a tooth provides physical stimulation to the jawbone, and when that stimulation is taken away, the bone cells start to die off.
Over time, the bone can shrink to a point where it is no longer suitable for a dental implant. This means that you will have to undergo more invasive procedures like a bone graft to rebuild the jawbone before you replace the missing tooth. Not only is this type of treatment more expensive, but it also tends to be more painful than a simple dental implant.
The Gap Can Trap Food Particles
Avoiding dental implants can also cause food particles to get stuck in the gap left by your missing tooth. This can make it significantly harder for you to clean the area properly. And eventually, this can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and other dental problems.
Your Other Teeth Can Shift
Finally, not getting a dental implant is that the surrounding teeth can start to move into the gap left by the missing tooth. This process, known as drifting, can cause your teeth to become crooked or misaligned. And while this might not seem like a big deal at first, it can lead to more serious problems in the future.
For example, since drifting teeth are harder to clean, they can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It can also cause pain when you bite down or chew food, and it may even lead to TMJ disorder in some cases.
You also may need to go through some additional procedures to help treat your crooked or misaligned teeth. For instance, you might need to get braces or an oral appliance like a splint to help straighten them out. These treatments can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s best to avoid them if at all possible.
The Bottom Line
Dental implants can be an effective way to replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. But if you don’t get dental implants, there are a few risks to consider. The bone where your missing tooth used to be can start to atrophy, food particles can get stuck in the gap left by your missing tooth, and your other teeth can start to drift. To avoid these risks, it’s best to discuss the potential benefits of getting a dental implant with a dentist to decide if it’s the right option for you.
Do you think you would benefit from a dental implant? If so, we’d be happy to help! Click here to get in touch with Shelburne Village Dental today.
