If you’re among the estimated 178 million Americans missing at least one tooth or one of the estimated 40 million Americans who have no natural teeth remaining, you’re all too familiar with the negative impacts associated with damaged, weakened, and absent teeth. From self esteem-issues to pain, infection, difficulty speaking and chewing, jawbone loss, and more, there are numerous reasons why addressing missing teeth is critical to your health and wellness.
All of your teeth work together, so when one or more is missing, the structural integrity of your mouth is at risk. Ideally, a solution for missing teeth should be found as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, however, this isn’t always possible. From finances to dental anxiety, there are many reasons why patients wait to undergo tooth replacement procedures. At Doctors Implants, it’s not uncommon for our team to work with patients who have waited a long time to address missing teeth and are wondering whether or not they’ve waited too long to receive full mouth dental implants.
If you have the same question, then this post is for you. And we have good news: Through a combination of exceptional training and experience as well as access to cutting-edge technology in a state-of-the-art environment, our doctors and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are able to successfully take on cases that many other oral health professionals will not. Below, we’ll explore the risks associated with leaving missing teeth unreplaced and the reasons why full mouth dental implants offer the most superior tooth replacement solution.
Can You Live With a Missing Tooth?
The simple answer is: Yes, you can live with one or more missing teeth.
The more complex answer is: Yes, you can live with one or more missing teeth, but you open yourself up to many discomforts and health risks by doing so.
Let’s take a closer look at why:
What Happens if You Don’t Replace a Missing Tooth?
Increased Risk of Infection
One of the most common reasons why patients lose one or more teeth in the first place is because of gum tissue deterioration resulting from periodontal disease (gum disease). Tooth loss further increases the risk of gum disease, which puts other teeth at risk and can propagate an ongoing and vicious cycle.
In addition, the empty socket left behind by a missing tooth can be difficult to clean and often becomes a trap for bacteria and plaque. This can lead to further infection and the decay of adjacent teeth whose sides and roots have become exposed. As the risk of oral infection increases, so does the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and impacting other areas of the body, including the heart, lungs, and major organs.
Shifting of Remaining Teeth
When all-natural teeth are present, they provide constant support for each other and maintain stability in the mouth. However, when a gap is present, surrounding teeth may start to tilt or shift, causing crowding and making proper cleaning a challenge (which can promote further decay and infection). In addition, shifting teeth can be uncomfortable or painful and may lead to self-consciousness when smiling, talking, or eating.
Deterioration of Gum and Jawbone
Healthy tooth roots stimulate the jawbone, causing it to constantly repair damaged cells and remain in optimal condition. When one or more teeth are missing, however, the jawbone is no longer stimulated in those areas, and deterioration may begin to occur. Over time, this can actually cause the structure of the face to change. Upper jawbone loss, known as facial collapse, can cause the upper portion of the face to curve inward, while lower jawbone loss can cause recession of the chin and diminish the jawline.
When Is Typically Too Late To Get Dental Implants?
Many dentists and doctors reject patients who have experienced severe infection, bone loss, or the shifting of teeth due to tooth loss as candidates for dental implants simply because they lack the training, experience, or technology to feel confident in successful outcomes.
At Doctors Implants, we’re different.
We successfully take on complex cases that have been rejected by other clinics on a regular basis and we have never turned away a patient due to bone loss.
Think it’s too late to get dental implants? Think again!
Excessive Bone Loss
While most clinics require patients with jawbone loss to undergo bone graft surgery before receiving dental implants, that’s not the case at Doctors Implants. We use advanced techniques to help you get your stunning new smile in a single comprehensive procedure.
Advanced Gum Disease
If you’ve been told you need a gum graft procedure before receiving full mouth dental implants, get a second opinion from our innovative and highly experienced team.
Age and Chronic Illness
No matter your age or the chronic conditions you suffer from, you deserve an opportunity to receive functional new teeth. As a team of board-certified medical doctors and surgeons, we will work with you to determine if there is a safe and effective way for you to undergo the 6 Hour Smile.
Why Replace Missing Teeth With Dental Implants?
As a clinic dedicated wholly to full mouth dental implants, we believe implants are the best tooth replacement solution available and encourage our patients to consider their benefits:
Easy Maintenance
Brush twice daily, use a Waterpik, and attend cleanings and check-ups as recommended, like you would with natural teeth.
Prevent Bone Loss
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural teeth and keep it strong and healthy. You won’t need to worry about further bone deterioration once you’ve undergone the 6 Hour Smile.
Safe for Remaining Natural Teeth
At Doctors Implants, we are focused on full mouth and full-arch dental implants. For those patients who undergo a full-arch procedure (top or bottom), there is no risk of the implants damaging the teeth in the other arch.
Doctors Implants Can Perform Implant Procedures On Complex Cases
Seeking a permanent, functional, and beautiful solution for teeth that have been missing for a long period of time? The dedicated team at Doctors Implants is ready to help. To learn about full mouth dental implants and our proprietary 6 Hour Smile, contact our office today to book a free doctor’s consultation!