A missing tooth can have a huge impact on the appearance of your smile, especially if you lose one of your visible teeth. This can cause a huge array of issues. Firstly it can cause embarrassment and affect your self-confidence and self-esteem. It can stop you from smiling in public or you may find yourself hiding your mouth behind your hands every time you smile. Many patients develop social anxiety and this can affect their mental health and wellbeing.
If you lose one of your teeth then this can also affect the function of your mouth. It can affect your ability to speak and you may find that you are unable to pronounce certain letters or words properly. It can affect your ability to bite or chew and you may not be able to enjoy your favourite foods. The adjacent teeth can become weak as teeth naturally support each other and if you lose a tooth from the lower jaw then the tooth above can also begin to drop. It is important that you address a missing tooth sooner rather than later to avoid these complications as well as the embarrassment and the discomfort that a missing tooth can have. The longer you avoid the dentist the more chance there is of bone recession and gum loss, so speak to a dentist as soon as possible so that they can put together an individually tailored treatment plan for you.
Dental implants
One of the best methods of replacing a missing tooth is with a dental implant Melbourne. A dental implant is a medical grade titanium screw. If you have a healthy jawbone then you can have an oral implant to provide a permanent solution for your missing tooth. This is why it is important that you speak to a dentist as soon as possible so that bone recession does not affect your options for tooth replacement. If you are affected by bone recession then you may need a bone graft before you are eligible for dental implant surgery. A bone graft is beneficial in many ways. Not only will it hold the implant in place but it will provide greater support to your teeth.
If you choose to have an oral implant then not only will you be able to improve the appearance of your smile, but you will also restore the function of your mouth. This means restoring your speech, and your ability to eat and chew as you did prior to losing a tooth. A dental implant looks and acts just like your natural tooth root, with a prosthetic attached. This means you also have to look after it in the same way. You need to brush your teeth thoroughly and floss at least once a day including around your implant. This is because plaque and tartar can still build up in that area and affect your implant. With regular dental appointments you can make sure that your implant remains strong and sturdy and that your remaining teeth are also healthy and clean. Speak to a dentist today to find out more.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
