If you’ve lost a tooth in the front of your mouth, you may immediately feel the urge to fix it. A dental implant can replace a missing tooth to keep your smile intact. But what happens when you lose a back tooth that no one can see? Unfortunately, there are oral health risks associated with a lost molar. So, even if it’s unseen, there can still be uncomfortable consequences.
If you want to learn why you should replace a back tooth just as quickly as a front one, continue reading.
Maintain Bite Alignment
Every tooth in your mouth plays a role in maintaining proper bite alignment. When a back tooth is missing, adjacent teeth may shift over time, leading to misalignment. This can affect your bite, causing discomfort in your teeth as well as jaw and neck pain.
Preserve Jawbone Density
The roots of your teeth stimulate the jawbone every time you chew. This action serves to strengthen your jawbone over time. When a tooth is missing, this stimulation is lost, and the jawbone may start to deteriorate. Dental implants, unlike other tooth replacement options, mimic the natural tooth’s stimulation of the jawbone. This will keep the bone density intact for the life of the implant.
Prevent Stressing Adjacent Teeth
Your mouth is a delicate system, and all your teeth work together to bear the load of biting and chewing. When a tooth goes missing, especially a molar, once-adjacent teeth are now forced to bear more stress. This can lead to premature wear and tear on these neighboring teeth, potentially causing further dental issues.
Restore Chewing Function
Molars are vital in the chewing process that breaks down the food you eat on a daily basis. Replacing a missing back tooth with a dental implant ensures that your chewing function is restored, allowing you to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet without restrictions.
As you can see, replacing a missing back tooth will aid your overall oral health in many ways. It ensures the proper functioning of your mouth, prevents potential complications, and supports the longevity of your remaining teeth. If you have a missing molar, don’t wait to see what happens. Talk to your dentist and see if a dental implant could be right for you.
About the Practice
At Dallas Esthetics, you’ll find a professional team of friendly dentists who work together to provide quality modern dental care. They create customized treatment plans and utilize the latest dental technology and techniques to help you restore your smile. Call (214) 827-1150 to schedule a dental implant consultation or visit the website to explore other services.
