So you’ve lost a tooth. You’ve likely been told by your dentist that you need a dental implant. The prospect might seem daunting to you, and so you’ve been putting it off. The longer you wait however, the more intensive your implant surgery may be.
Dental implant technology has come a long way in a short period of time, and implant surgery is not as intense as you may think. Read on to learn why getting an implant sooner rather than later is to your benefit.
Physical Effects of Missing Teeth
When a tooth is missing from your jaw, the bone density in that space begins to deteriorate. This can make it difficult to place an implant.
There are solutions to this issue, we can implement bone grafts. This does require more time and money on your part though, which is why it’s best to get your dental implant as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.
Another issue that arises when you wait too long to get a dental implant is “Supra Eruption”. This means the tooth or teeth above or below the missing tooth begins to grow, or “erupt” into that empty space. This can make an implant more difficult to place as a result of crowded space.
Because you’ve lost a tooth, you now have an empty space in your mouth, and your surviving teeth may begin to grow or move towards that space. We can use Invisalign or other orthodontic treatments to correct this, but it’s best to avoid this if possible and get your implant as soon as you can.
Lastly, and most obviously of missing teeth issues, it is harder to chew certain foods. This can affect your overall health, as your diet may start to favor softer and easier to chew foods, thereby not getting the well-rounded nutrition that you require.
You’ll likely start to favor one side of your mouth, putting more wear and tear on the teeth that you’re using. This can create more problems for the rest of your teeth in the long run. This is another excellent reason to get your dental implant as soon as possible. You want to preserve your lasting teeth as long as you can, and enjoy the foods you love!
Emotional Effects of Missing Teeth
When you lose a tooth, or several teeth, the emotional effects may be very upsetting. It can be really scary- it is such a permanent loss and you may feel embarrassed and ashamed.
That shame and embarrassment may lead to isolation, which can hinder your lifestyle! It’s no fun to be covering your mouth up when you talk, or chew food. You may start to avoid talking photos, or even smiling. That sense of shame can contribute to a lower self-esteem, or your desire to socialize as much as you used to.
So don’t wait! Get your dental implant as soon as possible. If you’re worried about the finances, we can help you figure out the expenses, and it may not be as costly as you think.
If you’re frightened and apprehensive about the procedure or the potential for pain, we can help you with that as well. We are very compassionate and understanding towards those who fear the dentist, and we offer sedation dentistry for anyone with severe anxiety.
If you’re concerned about the time it takes to recover from such a procedure, don’t be! We offer advanced healing technology, and we can even do same day implants!
The bottom line is, there’s no reason to wait, and every reason to get your dental implant as soon as possible. We offer free consultations and we serve patients from all over the Greater Bay Area, from San Francisco to the Peninsula and beyond. Let’s get you started on the road to a beautiful, healthy, and happy smile!
