Did you know that roughly 170 million Americans struggle with missing teeth? Sadly, missing teeth is quite a widespread issue that can lead to some pretty serious consequences if left unaddressed. That said, many people are sometimes reluctant to replace their lost pearly whites, especially if those teeth are molars. But having a lost molar is not something that you should shrug off! Keep reading to learn more about why replacing missing back teeth is absolutely in your best interest and why dental implants are the best way of going about it.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Back Teeth
Even though they reside towards the back of your mouth, your molars are just as important as your front teeth; you wouldn’t be able to chew and grind your food without them! However, most people are much more eager to replace their lost front teeth than their molars, arguably because of the impact they have on your smile and self-confidence. But even though people can’t see your back teeth when you smile, you should still have them replaced quickly, as missing molars can lead to a plethora of oral health issues such as:
- Deterioration of adjacent teeth, which ultimately leads to additional tooth loss.
- Difficulty when chewing food, which can negatively impact your diet and overall nutrition.
- Bite misalignment resulting from adjacent teeth shifting towards the 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 Go-To Solution
Dental implants are hands-down the best option for replacing missing teeth, especially molars, as they’re able to fully restore them in terms of look, feel, and functionality. They come with several priceless benefits including:
- Full tooth replacement – Unlike other tooth restoration options like dentures or bridges, which replace only the visible portion of your tooth, implants replace the entire tooth structure from the roots to the crown.
- Natural-looking – Dental implants are custom-made to fit your mouth, meaning they’ll look completely natural and seamlessly blend in with your smile.
- Durable and lasting – The posts of the implants are usually made from biocompatible materials so that they can fuse with your jawbone. This leads to a durable, long-term connection that can last for virtually a lifetime.
- No extra maintenance required – One of the best parts of getting dental implants is that once they’re fully integrated, you don’t have to do anything special to care for them. Simply clean them as you would your natural teeth.
If you have missing teeth, it isn’t something that you should ignore—nor is it something that you should needlessly suffer from! That said, dental implants are one of the best ways to address the issue, and visiting your dentist is the first step of the process.
About the Author
Dr. Ivan Paskalev has proudly served patients and families in the Eugene area for several years. Dr. Paskalev studied Dentistry at the Medical University-Sofia in Bulgaria before receiving his second dental degree from Tufts University. He is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Oregon Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer many available services including dental implants. If you have any questions about dental implants or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to reach out online or over the phone: (541) 485-0272.
