When you lose a tooth toward the front of your mouth, replacing it quickly probably feels like a must; after all, everyone will notice the gap as soon as you smile! However, can the same be said for missing molars that are essentially hidden in the back of the mouth? It might be easy to assume that replacing these back teeth isn’t as much of a priority, but in reality, leaving a gap in the back of your mouth can lead to a surprising number of oral health problems over time. Here’s what you need to know and why dental implants are one of the best solutions for lost teeth.
Your Back Teeth Are Hard Workers
Molars do quite a lot of work compared to the other teeth inside your mouth. They handle the bulk of chewing and grinding, properly distributing the pressure that’s created every time you bite down. However, when a molar goes missing, that pressure doesn’t disappear; it shifts to your remaining teeth, which weren’t designed to handle the extra strain. Over time, this can lead to excessive wear, cracked teeth, and even jaw discomfort as your bite tries to compensate!
It’s also worth noting that without a neighboring tooth for support, nearby teeth can begin to drift into the empty space. This gradual movement can throw off your bite alignment, make chewing less efficient, and even cause further tooth loss in the future.
Your Molars Help Prevent Bone Loss
There’s also the issue of bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing. Every tooth root provides stimulation to the jawbone that helps keep it strong and dense. Once a molar is lost, that stimulation stops, and the jawbone in that area gradually begins to shrink, a process known as bone resorption. While this may not be noticeable right away, it can eventually affect the shape of your face and jaw, among other problems.
Why Dental Implants Are a Superior Tooth Loss Solution
Dental implants are considered the gold standard when it comes to replacing missing teeth, since they’re the only option capable of replacing an entire tooth from root to crown. By fusing with the jawbone, an implant restores the stimulation your bone needs to stay healthy, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and gives you back your full chewing power. Plus, unlike traditional restorations, they can last for decades and don’t come with any specialized guidelines.
The bottom line is, a missing back tooth may not affect your smile’s appearance, but it can quietly impact your bite, jawbone, and overall oral health if left untreated!
About the Practice
Our team here at Elite Oral Surgery Associates has served the needs of patients in Lowell, Worcester, and the surrounding area for several years, with Dr. Harry Golnazarian leading the way. We offer a wide range of services, including state-of-the-art tooth replacement options like dental implants placed in-house. If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment to begin rebuilding your smile, you can reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (774) 220-7355.
