Tooth loss can have many negative effects beyond simply leaving gaps in your smile. When several teeth are missing, facial sagging can occur, speech can change, and the remaining teeth can endure excess strain as they compensate for missing ones. Dental implants can restore your smile and reduce the negative effects of tooth loss. We offer dental implants at Bruce Family Dentistry in Great Falls, where Dr. John Bruce can determine if you are a candidate for this exciting solution to tooth loss.
Side Effects of Tooth Loss
Tooth loss can result in several negative effects. Not only does it leave gaps in your smile, it can diminish self-confidence as well. Some of the side effects of losing teeth can include:
- Changes in speech
- Facial sagging or drooping
- Excess strain on remaining teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Lower self-confidence
Speech can change following tooth loss since the teeth normally help guide placement of the tongue when speaking. When teeth are missing, the tongue can slip into the gaps that remain and alter the way you speak. The teeth also provide support for facial muscles. Unfortunately, drooping and sagging can occur when there are not enough teeth to provide adequate support.
Another negative effect of tooth loss is that the remaining teeth tend to endure excess wear and tear. Taking on the biting and chewing functions of missing teeth puts excess strain on the remaining teeth, which can cause them to quickly become worn down. If the problem is not addressed, the excess strain can lead to teeth becoming too weak to perform normal biting and chewing functions.
How Dental Implants Help
Dental implants are an exciting solution to tooth loss and its negative effects. Dental implants securely hold artificial teeth in place and can be used with dental crowns, bridgework, and implant-supported overdentures. Dental implants are placed in the jaw bone and function similarly to a root by anchoring replacement teeth so they stay in place.
Since dental implants are placed in bone, candidates must have sufficient bone to support placement of the implants. The skilled dentist at our office in Great Falls, can determine dental implants might be an effective tooth replacement solution for you.
Tooth loss can lead to many unwanted side effects, but there is a solution. Dental implants restore your smile and help reverse the negative effects of tooth loss. To learn more about dental implants, contact Bruce Family Dentistry in Great Falls. You can schedule an appointment with Dr. Bruce by calling us at (406) 452-2964.