If you’ve lost a tooth that’s hidden from plain view, you might wonder if you really need to replace it. After all, if no one is going to see it, why does it matter? While it’s true that the aesthetic concern is not pressing, there are crucial oral health reasons to consider dental implants.
So, what’s the big deal about missing teeth? Continue reading to learn why a hidden molar still needs a little dental implant TLC.
1. Missing Teeth Cause Alignment Issues
Even a missing tooth at the back of your mouth can affect the alignment of your surrounding teeth over time. Adjacent teeth may gradually shift into the empty space, causing misalignment and potential bite issues. This can cause many symptoms including tooth sensitivity and jaw pain.
2. Dental Implants Maintain Bite Function
Every tooth plays a role in the proper functioning of your bite. When a back tooth is missing, the stress from chewing is placed on adjacent teeth. Left untreated, this can potentially lead to more stress on the enamel of these pearly whites and additional wear and tear.
Dental implants can restore the function of your bite, relieving the pressure on these other teeth.
3. Dental implants Help Maintain Your Jawbone
All teeth play an essential part in supporting jawbone density. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone may start to resorb, which can weaken the overall structure of the jaw. Not only can this change the look of your face over time, but it can also lead to more tooth loss.
4. Your Oral Health Is Connected with the Rest of Your Body
Oral health is interconnected. Neglecting a missing back tooth may set off a chain reaction of issues. This could affect neighboring teeth, gum health, and even make you sick. For example, research from Harvard Medical School shows that patients with missing teeth are more likely to contract gum disease. This same research suggests that this oral issue is linked with diabetes and heart disease.
The decision to replace a missing tooth goes beyond aesthetics—it’s important for maintaining your health. Whether seen or unseen, every tooth is important to preserve the balance of your mouth. If you’ve been missing a molar, it’s not too late to request a dental implant consultation with your dentist. A new smile and an increased quality of life await you.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars is a talented and professional dentist with a passion for giving his patients a smile they can be proud of. After graduating from the University of Missouri – Kansas City with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, he decided to hone his skills by giving back to the community via the “Miles of Smiles” program that helped underserved children get dental care. He then opened his private practice. Call (575) 521-8720 to schedule a dental implant consultation, or visit the website to learn more.