The teeth in the back of your mouth do a lot for you, and it can be a little too easy to take them for granted. If you’ve lost one or several molars, things that used to be easy like chewing or speaking can become frustrating and challenging. The good news is that dental implants can replace missing teeth with beautiful and durable restorations that look and work just like the real thing. Here’s a brief overview of why replacing a missing tooth in the back of your mouth with a dental implant can be a great idea.
Why Should I Replace My Missing Back Teeth?
While missing one or more teeth in the back of your mouth may not cause you any immediate discomfort, they still provide vital services for your oral and overall health. These teeth include the molars, the large, flat teeth that grind food into a pulp, and premolars, which help grip and tear food as you bite it off. The loss of these back teeth can force you to chew with your front teeth, which can lead to their injury and food not being sufficiently pulverized when it is swallowed. This lack of thorough chewing can cause problems for your gastrointestinal tract.
To make matters worse, tooth loss deprives the jawbone of the stimulation it needs to stay healthy and strong. After the loss of a tooth, the part of the jawbone that supported it will begin to atrophy and recede due to a lack of exercise. This can lead to TMJ issues as well as the neighboring teeth being pulled out of alignment, which can make them harder to clean, easier to injure, and more vulnerable to decay.
How Can I Replace My Missing Back Teeth?
Dental implants are the best tooth replacement method available. These high-quality restorations consist of porcelain crowns that are customized to mimic the shape, color, and luster of the patient’s natural teeth and a titanium rod surgically implanted in the patient’s jawbone. Through the natural process of osseointegration, this titanium piece fuses with the surrounding bone structure, creating a sturdy hold that lets the implant chew just like a real tooth while providing the exercise the jawbone needs to stay healthy. This allows it to prevent or reverse bone loss in the jaw.
Replacing a lost molar or premolar with a dental implant can be an effective investment for your oral health. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
About the Author
Dr. Hube Parker graduated Manga Cum Laude from the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry in 1993 and has completed thousands of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest developments in the dental field. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Alabama Dental Association, and the Mississippi Dental Association. His seven offices in Alabama and Mississippi offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in addition to dental implant services. To schedule a dental implant consultation, contact him online.