If you or someone you know has lost one or more teeth with age, or to an underlying dental problem, you might understand the impact that missing teeth can have on your quality of life. Nevertheless, many patients (even those without a full set of teeth) don’t realize that tooth loss isn’t a natural part of aging, and when it occurs, its effects can significantly undermine the rest of your oral health. As dedicated restorative dentists in Shrewsbury, Dr. Todd Pizzi and Dr. Luciana Messina have helped many patients overcome the issues associated with tooth loss by replacing their lost teeth with an appropriate number of dental implants.
More Than You Might Know About Tooth Loss
The most prominent effect of tooth loss is often the way your smile looks without all of its teeth. Given the visibility and dominance of a smile, appearance may be a compelling reason for most people to replace their lost teeth. However, your confidence might not be the most important reason. The loss of teeth that should have been permanent can result in a myriad of subsequent dental issues, including;
- An imbalanced bite, which can place other teeth under excessive pressure and possibly damage them
- Diminished jawbone density from the loss of your teeth’s roots
- Malnutrition due to necessary changes in diet
- Poor hygiene and dental health, as the empty socket might create a hard-to-reach spot for bacterial plaque and food debris to gather
The Science of Rebuilding Smiles
Even though replacing lost teeth has been a focal point of dentistry since its earliest beginnings, advancements in modern dentistry provide more comprehensive restorations than ever before. Specifically, dental implants, which have been used clinically for over 50 years, are the first and only restorative option that allows you to replace the lost roots of your missing teeth. Each implant is surgically placed into the jawbone, and strategically positioned to support a dental crown, bridge, or denture (depending on how many teeth you’ve lost). Aside from providing unmatched support for your replacement teeth, dental implants help preserve you jawbone by restoring the stimulation it needs to remain healthy, reducing your risk of future tooth loss due to deteriorating jawbone density.
ABOUT YOUR SHREWSBURY DENTISTS:
At Modern Dentistry, Todd A. Pizzi, DDS, and Luciana Messina, DDS, are dedicated to providing high-quality cosmetic, restorative, and preventive dentistry services to patients and families in Shrewsbury, Worcester, North and South Grafton, Westborough, Southborough, Northborough, Boylston, Hopkinton, Millbury, and all surrounding communities. To schedule your next appointment, contact our office by calling (508) 842-6356 today.
