Top 5 Ways Your Oral Health Can Be Compromised Long-Term Without a Dental Implant

Losing a tooth due to decay, injury, or extraction can significantly impact oral health. While it may be tempting to forgo tooth replacement, doing so can lead to long-term complications that affect your smile and overall well-being. At Semidey Dental in Davie, Florida, Dr. Alex Semidey and Dr. Sara Tarte emphasize the importance of dental implants as the gold standard for tooth replacement. Dental implants are designed to function just like natural teeth, providing durability, stability, and improved oral health. Here are the top five ways your oral health can be compromised if you don’t replace a missing tooth with a dental implant.

1. Bone Loss and Jaw Deterioration

One of the most serious consequences of tooth loss is bone resorption. Without a tooth root to stimulate the jawbone, the bone deteriorates over time, leading to facial sagging and a weakened jaw structure. This can cause sunken cheeks, making a person look older than they are. Dental implants act as artificial roots, providing the necessary stimulation to preserve bone density and prevent premature aging. 

2. Shifting and Misalignment of Surrounding Teeth

When a gap is left in your smile, neighboring teeth gradually shift into the space. This movement can lead to bite misalignment, crowding, and an increased risk of gum disease and cavities due to food trapping in misaligned spaces. Over time, misalignment can cause difficulty in biting and chewing and unnecessary wear on remaining teeth. 

3. Increased Risk of Additional Tooth Loss

Without proper support, the teeth adjacent to a missing tooth are more susceptible to damage and instability. Teeth shifting and bone loss can weaken their foundation, making them more prone to loosening and eventual loss. Sometimes, the extra strain on the remaining teeth can lead to fractures, gum recession, or increased sensitivity. 

4. Difficulty Chewing and Digestive Issues

A missing tooth can make it difficult to chew properly, leading to an imbalanced diet and poor digestion. People who avoid certain foods due to discomfort may suffer from nutritional deficiencies, impacting their overall health. When food is not properly broken down before swallowing, it can also lead to digestive issues such as acid reflux or indigestion. A dental implant restores full chewing function, allowing patients to enjoy a varied and healthy diet without limitations. 

5. Increased Risk of TMJ Disorders and Jaw Pain

Tooth loss can alter how your upper and lower teeth fit together, causing excessive stress on the jaw joints. This imbalance can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, resulting in headaches, chronic jaw pain, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth. Over time, untreated TMJ issues can cause clicking or popping in the jaw, muscle stiffness, and even ear pain. Dental implants help maintain a balanced bite, reducing strain on the jaw joints and preventing TMJ-related discomfort. 

Call Our Office To Learn More

If you’ve lost a tooth or are facing an extraction, don’t wait to explore your tooth replacement options. Dental implants provide a long-term solution that protects oral health, functionality, and appearance. At Semidey Dental, Dr. Alex and his team are committed to restoring smiles with state-of-the-art dental implant solutions. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alex Semidey or Dr. Sara Tarte in Davie, Florida, to learn how dental implants can restore your smile and prevent future complications. Our office can be reached at (954) 939-0996.

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