Losing a tooth can be a stressful experience, affecting everything from your smile to your ability to chew comfortably. While it might be tempting to put off treatment, especially if the missing tooth isn’t visible, delaying a dental implant can lead to more significant problems down the line. Understanding the risks of waiting is the first step toward protecting your long-term oral health.
This guide explains what happens to your mouth after tooth loss and why timely intervention with a dental implant is often the best course of action. We will look at the risks of delaying a dental implant, including bone loss and shifting teeth, and explain why acting sooner rather than later can save you from more complex and costly procedures in the future.
Your Jawbone Needs Stimulation
One of the most significant consequences of delaying a dental implant is bone loss, also known as bone resorption. Your jawbone maintains its density and form because it is constantly stimulated by the roots of your teeth. Every time you chew, tiny stresses are transmitted through the teeth to the bone, signaling it to stay strong.
When a tooth is lost, that stimulation disappears. The section of the jawbone that once supported the tooth no longer receives the signals it needs to maintain itself. As a result, the body begins to reabsorb the bone material, leading to a gradual decrease in both height and width. Studies in oral surgery show that a significant amount of bone loss can occur within the first year after a tooth is extracted. This deterioration not only weakens the jaw but can also alter the appearance of your face, sometimes leading to a sunken look.
Your Teeth Will Shift Positions
Your teeth work together as a team to maintain their proper alignment. When a gap is left by a missing tooth, the neighboring teeth naturally start to drift into the empty space. This movement can cause a cascade of problems throughout your mouth.
As teeth shift, your bite (occlusion) can become misaligned. This can lead to several issues:
- Chewing Difficulties: A misaligned bite can make it harder to chew food properly.
- Uneven Wear: Some teeth may bear more pressure than others, leading to premature wear and tear.
- TMJ Disorders: An improper bite can strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing jaw pain, headaches, and clicking sounds.
The tooth opposite the gap can also “super-erupt,” meaning it grows out of its socket because it has no opposing tooth to bite against. This further complicates bite issues and can expose the sensitive root of the erupting tooth.
Future Procedures Become More Complicated
Waiting to get a dental implant often means that more extensive and invasive treatments are needed later on. If significant bone loss has occurred, there may not be enough bone to securely place an implant. In this case, a bone graft is required to rebuild the jaw. This procedure involves taking bone from another part of your body or using a synthetic material to restore the implant site. A bone graft adds time, complexity, and cost to your treatment plan.
Similarly, if your teeth have shifted, you might need orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to move them back into their correct positions before an implant can be placed. What could have been a straightforward procedure becomes a multi-step process involving different specialists. Prosthodontic studies emphasize that addressing tooth loss promptly leads to more predictable and successful outcomes with fewer complications.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Delaying a dental implant after tooth loss can set off a chain reaction of oral health problems. From bone deterioration and shifting teeth to the need for more complex procedures, the risks associated with waiting are substantial. Acting in a timely manner not only preserves your oral structure but also ensures that your treatment is as simple and effective as possible.
If you have a missing tooth, don’t wait for these issues to arise. At Aesthetic Dentistry in Wasilla, AK, we can help you understand your options and create a plan to restore your smile and protect your health. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn if a dental implant is the right solution for you.