Dental implants are a permanent solution to a myriad of problems. Healthy diet, self-esteem, and the degeneration of unused bone and tissue are a just few of the things that can suffer when missing one or several teeth.
Keep reading to find out more about how dental implants can improve both your oral health and your overall health, and how you can avoid common issues that arise from missing teeth.
Health Issues with Missing Teeth
When you’re missing a tooth, or several teeth, you’re going to favor the side of your mouth that makes it easier to chew. This is assuming your missing tooth is in the back of your mouth, which are the most common area for missing teeth. This puts undue pressure on that side of your mouth, and leads to rapid wear and tear, not just your teeth, but on your gums and jaw as well.
Your teeth will continue to shift and grow after the loss of a tooth. This leads to bone degeneration where the tooth once was, and less room in your mouth as the other teeth reach towards that empty space. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to place the desired implant. We can fix that with the use of Invisalign and other technologies-still it’s best to get your implant as soon as possible after losing your tooth.
When you’re missing teeth, certain foods can be harder to chew, and unfortunately it’s usually the healthier foods that fall to the wayside. Hard foods, like apples and nuts might be difficult, if not impossible to chew when you’re missing a tooth. And when you use the other side of your mouth to chew them, you’re placing undue stress on that side. More often than not, those foods are simply avoided, and then your diet and overall health suffers.
Psychological Issues with Missing Teeth
It can be embarrassing to suffer the loss of a tooth. Unfortunately there is a lot of shame surrounding our less than perfect smiles in this culture. Embarrassment and shame come at a heavy price…self-esteem. And diminishing self-esteem occurs exponentially with the passing time. And it’s not just the embarrassment of a missing tooth, or the difficulties in chewing certain foods; it’s the growing anxiety and stress of doing something about it.
You may be worried about the pain of the procedure, and the longer you worry the scarier it seems.
You might be wary of the financial setback of oral surgery.
I offer several options to minimize the pain of implant surgery. I am trained in sedation dentistry, and I can place implants in one visit. I understand dental phobia; it is real and it can be debilitating. I am compassionate and empathetic with all of my patients, and am tuned in to the fear and hesitation people may have when receiving dental care, especially oral surgery. Many times I’ve even walked fearful patients in from the parking lot to ease their anxiety.
I offer several financial options to ensure that everyone is eligible and able to receive the care they require. No one should suffer unnecessarily because of financial difficulties. I will work with you, and find a plan to ensure you get the care you need and deserve for a healthy and confident mouth and lifestyle.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards optimal health and well-being, make a complimentary appointment today to come see me at The Peninsula Center of Cosmetic Dentistry. And if you’re not quite ready, let me help you find the courage and determination to get ready! I serve patients in our Los Altos office from all over the peninsula, from San Francisco to Walnut Creek, and many of the surrounding cities in between.
