A missing tooth, or teeth, can make you wary of smiling or speaking in a public place. In terms of aesthetics, your smile won’t be at its best with empty spaces, but a missing tooth doesn’t only crush your self-esteem – it can also destabilize your bite. Moreover, a missing tooth can change your facial features and make you look older.
Statistics from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons show that 70 percent of American adults, aged 35-44, have at least one missing tooth due to gum disease, tooth decay, dental fractures or an accident.
However, there’s no need to live with missing teeth. Today, there are good alternatives available. The most common options are dentures and tooth implants.
Dentures are false teeth, and while the quality has improved vastly thanks to modern dentistry, they are not ideal for everyone. If dentures aren’t secured properly with adhesive, they may slip out of place while speaking or eating, which is embarrassing. Also, partial dentures may promote decay and infection in other teeth if they don’t fit correctly. That said, they are usually the best choice for people whose jaws or gums are unhealthy or weak.
But if your jaw and gums are healthy, you might benefit from tooth implants. These are replacement teeth that a dentist implants surgically into the jawbone. With good dental hygiene, tooth implants can last up to 20 years or more without needing replacement. If your jaw and gums are healthy, 2 or more tooth implants can act as a support base for several replacement teeth.
Need tooth implants in Lakeland FL? Visit us at Northside Family Dental. Our friendly and caring staff are dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Give us a call today.