As time goes on, it becomes easier and easier in some cases to put off dental treatment. This is especially true if it’s something like a dental implant. Maybe you think it would be best to wait until your schedule clears up and things slow down, or maybe you’re just worried about the costs.
Delaying dental treatment doesn’t just impact your wallet, though. It can also affect your overall health, confidence, and quality of life in ways you might not have even considered.
When you lose one of your teeth, the jawbone starts to deteriorate because it is no longer receiving any stimulation from the tooth root. This can start happening within just a few months of losing the tooth.
Over time, the bone loss can begin changing your facial shape because the nearby teeth start shifting. This can make future implant placement much more complicated and expensive. You want to act as soon as possible to preserve your bone structure and the natural appearance of your smile.
Missing teeth can throw off your bite. The teeth next to those gaps can start drifting to try and fill in the space, which can lead to misalignment and uneven wear. This ultimately triggers discomfort in the jaw, TMJ issues, and can make it harder to chew comfortably.
The longer you wait to get your dental implants, the more likely you’ll need other corrective treatments before the implant can even be placed.
Missing teeth aren’t just cosmetically concerning either. It can change how you speak, eat, and smile. When you delay dental implants, you probably also start avoiding eating certain foods, or you become more self-conscious in social settings. Even subtle changes like these can have a negative impact on your self-esteem as well as nutrition over time.
If too much of the bone is lost, your dentist may need to recommend a bone graft before they can place the implant. This procedure adds time, healing, and expense. Getting your implant as soon as the tooth is lost can help you avoid these extra steps and can help ensure a smoother and faster recovery.
Dental implants are effective and natural looking solutions for replacing those missing teeth. If you’ve been putting off the decision, it’s time to act. Schedule your consultation today with your Cache Valley dentist and take the steps to protect your oral health, smile, and confidence.
