What You Didn’t Know About Missing Teeth

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Your teeth are more important than you think. If you are missing a tooth, you may notice that chewing and speaking are more difficult. If you are missing an anterior tooth you may be embarrassed to show a gapped smile. However, tooth loss can have even more far-reaching consequences on your oral health.

Missing Teeth Create a Chain Reaction of Health Issues

Did you know that after losing a tooth, you have a 20 percent chance of losing another tooth in the next five years? If tooth loss goes untreated, you may also be subject to misaligned bite, teeth grinding, and other dental health issues. At Gateway Dental Group, we offer dental implants to help prevent these oral health problems and restore your smile. Our Des Moines dentist, Dr. Stephen Burds, will explain what you need to know about tooth loss and dental implants.

Tooth Replacement Prevents Jawbone Deterioration

Your jaw relies on tooth roots to provide chewing stimulation when you eat. The vibrations from chewing send signals to your brain that your jawbone is needed. Your brain tells your body to send nutrients to your jawbone to help keep the bone healthy and strong. Once you are missing a tooth, you are also missing the tooth root stimulation your jawbone needs. As a result, your body will not receive the signals to send needed nutrients to your jaw, resulting in jawbone deterioration.

Dental Implants Help Keep Your Jaw Healthy

Dental implants simulate tooth roots in your jawbone with an implanted biocompatible rod. This titanium rod will bond with your jawbone much like your tooth root, and transmit vibrations from chewing. Dental implants restore the stimulation needed to keep your jaw healthy and strong and prevent jawbone deterioration.

Dental Implants in Des Moines

At our Des Moines dental office, we offer a variety of options for addressing missing teeth, from dental implants, to bridges and dentures. To learn more about preventing the dental health issues associated with tooth loss contact your Des Moines dentist by calling Gateway Dental Group at (515) 244-9565. We welcome patients from River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.