Why Dental Implants in Phillipsburg Could Save Your Health

Let’s say you need to have a tooth extraction. Will you get a dental implant afterwards, or will you simply leave the empty space alone? Some people might think they’re saving money by choosing the latter; after all, one missing tooth isn’t that big a deal, is it? The truth is that it absolutely can be! Learn why an incomplete smile may be followed by serious health issues – and why dental implants in Phillipsburg could make a crucial difference.

What Happens When Teeth are Missing?

A removed tooth affects more than just your appearance. The empty space is a prime target for bacteria and debris to accumulate. Furthermore, teeth adjacent to the gap may start to drift out of place, starting a chain reaction that can cause your other teeth to move as well. If your pearly whites become crooked, crowded or otherwise misaligned, they can be a lot harder to clean.

A missing tooth can also affect your ability to chew correctly, weakening the others. Furthermore, your jawbone will start to deteriorate, causing the gums to recede and leaving various areas more vulnerable to plaque buildup.

All of these factors can make tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Not only can these conditions be very painful, but they can ultimately lead to tooth loss. In other words, that gap in your teeth could get a lot bigger if you don’t take care of it!

Can Missing Teeth Affect My Overall Health?

An increased risk of oral infections can have dire consequences for the rest of your body. Many studies in recent years have found that the bacteria and inflammation involved with gum disease can be linked with potentially fatal heart problems such as clogged arteries, endocarditis (bacteria attached to the inner lining of the heart) and stroke. Oral health may also be connected to head and neck cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic headaches, respiratory infections and Alzheimer’s.

Protecting your mouth could be an important step in protecting your life; for that reason, it’s a bad idea to ignore a missing tooth.

How Can Dental Implants Help?

When it comes to filling in an incomplete grin, your dentist in Phillipsburg is likely to suggest dental implants as a solution. A false tooth is placed on a metal post that has been surgically placed in the jaw for maximum stability and chewing power. Not only will this make it easier to keep your mouth clean by filling in empty space and preventing drifting teeth, but it’ll also prevent bone loss in the jaw and the various complications associated with it.

Of course, whether dental implants are suitable in your case will depend on various factors such as oral health and the current state of the jawbone. Discuss the options with your dentist before deciding the best way to restore your smile.

About the Practice

At DeMartino Dental Group, the husband-and-wife team of Drs. Jeffrey R. DeMartino and Nelida Garcia-DeMartino are proud to provide adults and children in Phillipsburg with completely personalized, highly modern dental treatments. If you or a loved one is considering dental implants as a form of tooth replacement, schedule a consultation through their website or call (908) 859-5260.