It’s estimated that roughly 170 million Americans struggle with tooth loss, with this figure actually expected to grow! Needless to say, missing teeth is an alarmingly widespread problem that’s often accompanied by several other oral health issues. But what about missing molars—are lost back teeth as problematic as lost front teeth, and should you bother with trying to replace them? Here’s why your dentist thinks you shouldn’t wait to replace a missing molar with a dental implant.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Replace Missing Back Teeth
Despite their position in your mouth, your molars are arguably just as important as your front teeth—after all, you need them to chew and grind your food. That said, most people treat missing front teeth with much more urgency than lost back ones! But this is unwise, as failing to replace missing molars can lead to some pretty severe oral health issues including:
- Deterioration of your adjacent teeth, which can lead to additional tooth loss.
- Difficulty when chewing food, which negatively impacts your diet and overall nutrition.
- Bite misalignment resulting from adjacent teeth shifting towards the open gaps left by missing teeth.
- Bone resorption that leads to facial collapse.
- TMJ disorders resulting from strain on the temporomandibular joints and nearby muscles.
Why Dental Implants Are the Best Means for Replacing Missing Back Teeth
Dental implants are considered the gold-standard for replacing missing teeth. They’re able to fully restore lost front and back teeth in terms of look, feel, and functionality. They come with several priceless benefits including:
- Root-to-crown tooth replacement – Unlike dentures or bridges, which only replace the upper, visible portion of your teeth, dental implants replace the entire tooth structure from the roots to the crown. You’re getting a whole new tooth—not just part of one!
- Natural-looking in appearance – Dental implants are custom-made for your smile, meaning that they’ll look and feel exactly like your natural teeth. People won’t be able to tell that you’ve gotten dental implants unless you tell them!
- Durable and built to last – The posts of implants are often made from strong biocompatible materials such as titanium. This means that they will actually fuse with your jawbone, leading to a strong, lasting connection.
- Easy to maintain – Caring for dental implants is relatively straightforward; they don’t require any specialized maintenance! Brushing and flossing daily while avoiding poor oral habits is the secret to their longevity.
It’s always going to be in your best interest to replace your missing teeth, no matter where they were in your mouth. That said, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist about replacing your lost molar with a dental implant.
About the Practice
The team at South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is honored to serve the dental needs of the Jupiter, FL area! The practice is fortunate to house five skilled specialists: Dr. Paul Weinstein, Dr. Travis Thompson, Dr. Jeronimo Guzman, Dr. Christopher Chafin, and Dr. Monika Ducharme. The practice is proud to offer several available services including dental implants. To schedule an appointment, please visit the practice’s website or give them a call for assistance: (561) 743-8311.