Whether you are missing a tooth from an injury or had one or more pulled due to decay, replacement should be a top priority. Tooth replacement goes beyond cosmetic benefits to help safeguard bone tissue and prevent further dental and health issues. Dr. Marko Kamel, a skilled dentist in Woodbury, MN, can help preserve your smile and your health with dental implants.
Missing Teeth Offer Daily Difficulties
Missing teeth can make it hard to form some sounds, and you may have to avoid apples, steak and other foods if you can’t bite into or chew them properly. Along with the self-confidence that comes with a gap-free smile, implants can help you speak clearly and eat the foods you want.
Progressive Health Issues
Health issues can also result from missing teeth. Over time, neighboring teeth can shift, becoming crooked and impacting your bite. If misaligned teeth are crowded together or spaced too far apart, pockets may form that are hard to clean, which can lead to a buildup of plaque, bacteria and infection. These pockets are breeding grounds for gum disease and further tooth loss, not to mention health issues that range from diabetes to heart disease and cancer.
Another problem with not replacing missing teeth is the loss of jaw bone. Without the roots of a natural or implanted tooth, the bone erodes, changing your facial structure and creating problems for future dental work such as dentures or implants.
Dental Implants Maintain Your Health
Implants help maintain the jaw bone by replacing the functions once served by the roots of the teeth. They offer stability, durability and strength that allows you to eat and speak normally. With proper cleaning and regular dental visits, implants can last 30 years or even longer.
Contact Us
For a dentist who can discuss the benefits of dental implants and whether you are a good candidate, see Dr. Kamel at Woodbury Dental Arts. Contact our office for an appointment.