Most people would be eager to replace a lost tooth. After all, the issue can seriously harm a smileโs appearance. However, you might think otherwise if itโs a missing back tooth. Unlike one lost in your mouthโs front, it isnโt noticeable and wonโt make you less photogenic. The truth, though, is that you should replace any missing tooth. Failure to do so could lead to serious oral health risks. To learn more, hereโs a summary of the risks created by a missing molar and the benefits of replacing it with a dental implant.
The Risks of a Missing Back Tooth
Over time, a missing back tooth will do damage to your mouth. In particular, it could lead to the following:
TMJ Disorder
If you donโt replace a lost tooth, your jawโs temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can get altered. Should that happen, youโll experience significant pain, trouble opening and closing your mouth, and similar symptoms.
Tooth Erosion (and Loss)
When you have missing teeth, the others have to work harder. In doing so, though, they suffer more wear and tear. Eventually, theyโll start to erode prematurely and even fall out.
Jawbone Loss
Without your back tooth, your body will reabsorb the bone near its original socket. Left untreated, this process will lead to a facial collapse that makes your mouth shift and sag.
The Benefits of Switching to an Implant
Switching to a dental implant would prevent the above outcomes. In fact, itโd also offer you benefits like:
- Lifelike Smile: Dental implants look and act more like natural teeth than dentures and bridges. That being the case, they seamlessly blend with your smile and improve your chewing ability.
- A More Vibrant Face: A dental implant would stop any facial collapse and keep your face looking young and vibrant. By stimulating the jawbone in place of your missing tooth, itโd help preserve its bone tissue.
- Easy Care: To care for dental implants, you just need to brush them twice daily, floss once daily, and rinse with mouthwash! If you do a good job, your prosthetic could last twenty years or more.
A missing back tooth could cause real problems if you donโt have it examined. That said, talk to your local dentist about possible treatment options soon.
About the Author
Legacy Dentistry is based in Midlothian, TX. As led by Drs. Nguyen and DeSimone, the practice provides both beautiful smiles and peace of mind. To that end, we perform preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, not to mention emergency care procedures. Our office is also proud to be a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (972-236-5789.