Some men and women who lose a posterior tooth question whether to replace it. After all, it doesn’t show when you smile and there are other teeth to take over the chewing functions. Why not avert the expense to replace it and save some money? Actually, there are several important reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant if possible:
1. The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting.
If a tooth tips, moves, or rotates, it can affect the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone (over-eruption). Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.
2. The underlying bone will eventually loosen.
Without the tooth root, the jaw bone recedes. This changes the contours of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decrease in supporting bone. The vertical shortening progresses and becomes more pronounced as you get older.
3. There will be extra stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions.
This can bring about excessive wear, fracture, or pain.
If you have a missing posterior tooth and want to learn about dental implants, call Almeida & Bell Dental Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry in Lone Tree at 303-858-9000 to schedule an appointment.
Contact Almeida & Bell General, Cosmetic & Sedation Dentistry:
303-858-9000
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Almeida & Bell Dental – Lone Tree
8683 E Lincoln Ave Ste 200
Lone Tree, Colorado
80124
Almeida & Bell Dental – Denver
9126 57th Ave.
Denver, Colorado
80238
