Some people who lose a back tooth wonder whether to replace it. After all, it doesn’t show when you smile and there are other teeth to take over the chewing functions. Why not avoid the expense to replace it and save some money? At St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville MD, we believe there are very good reasons to replace a back tooth with a dental implant:
1. The adjacent tooth (or teeth) may start shifting.
If a tooth tips, moves, or rotates, it can influence the bite. The unopposed tooth can also move, though it generally moves outward from the bone (over-eruption). Teeth that are displaced can become more vulnerable to gum disease, decay, or TMJ pain.
2. The underlying bone will eventually loosen.
Without the tooth root, the jaw bone shrinks. This changes the shape of the face and gives it a sunk-in look due to a decline in supporting bone. The vertical shortening advances and becomes more pronounced as you get older.
3. There will be additional stress on the teeth that take over the chewing functions.
This can bring about excessive wear, fracture, or pain.
If you have a missing back tooth and want to learn about dental implants, call St. Mary’s Dental in Mechanicsville MD. Our services also include general and family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.
Contact St. Mary’s Dental:
301-884-3248
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
28169 Old Village Rd
Mechanicsville, Maryland
20659
