Dental implants
Dr. Pedro Rodrigues
OMD 03960
1. Neighboring teeth begin to move
One of the first effects of losing a tooth is the gradual movement of adjacent teeth.
Without the support of the missing tooth, the teeth next to it tend to tilt toward the empty space. At the same time, the tooth on the opposite arch may begin to "extrude" (move down or up), searching for contact during chewing.
This movement can cause:
Difficulty cleaning correctly between teeth;
Greater accumulation of bacterial plaque;
Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease;
Changes in the bite.
2. Bone loss is almost immediate
One of the lesser-known aspects is that the bone supporting the tooth root stops receiving stimulation when the tooth is lost.
As a consequence, the body naturally begins to resorb that bone.
This bone loss can:
Alter the contour of the gum;
Compromise the aesthetics of the smile;
Make placing an implant more complex in the future;
In some cases, require bone grafting before treatment.
3. Chewing is no longer balanced
Even if you don't realize it, when a tooth is missing, it is common to start chewing more on one side of the mouth.
Over time, this habit can overload certain teeth, cause excessive wear, and increase tension in the chewing muscles.
Dental implants allow for the replacement of both the root and the crown of the missing tooth, restoring stability, function, and a natural appearance.
Unlike other solutions, the implant helps to stimulate the bone, contributing to the preservation of its structure and preventing many of the changes caused by the prolonged absence of the tooth.
Additionally, it is not necessary to grind down the adjacent teeth to replace the lost space.
If you have lost a tooth, there are some precautions that make all the difference:
Do not postpone an evaluation appointment, even if you are not in pain.
Maintain rigorous oral hygiene to protect the remaining teeth.
Avoid always chewing on the same side.
Have regular check-ups to monitor the progress of your oral health.
Find out about replacement options before bone changes or tooth movement occur.
Losing a single tooth may seem like a minor issue, but the consequences go far beyond aesthetics. The sooner an evaluation is made, the greater the chances of preserving the bone, maintaining tooth alignment, and opting for a simpler treatment.
At OralPlus, each treatment plan is carefully studied to find the most suitable solution for the needs of each patient. If you have lost a tooth and want to restore the function, health, and confidence in your smile, schedule an evaluation appointment and find out what the best option is for your case.
01
If I only lost one tooth, is it really necessary to replace it?
Yes. Even a single missing tooth can cause changes in your bite, bone loss, and movement of the remaining teeth over time.
02
The sooner you get an implant, the better?
03
Can I chew normally without replacing the tooth?
