When you replace a missing tooth, you are taking a significant step into preserving your oral health. The dental office of Mildred S. Arucan-Masunaga DDS, located in Wahiawa, HI, offers dental implants as a great and effective way to replace missing teeth.

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

When you suffer from poor oral health, it can affect the rest of your body. For example, missing teeth can affect your bite, speech, and food choices. Furthermore, any alterations to the previous would cause social, psychological, and nutritional problems.

When teeth are lost, you start to rely more on the remaining teeth, leading to premature wear and tear and additional damage. Lastly, missing teeth can change your bite, and that can lead to headaches and jaw pain.

Overall, a natural consequence of missing teeth is deterioration in not only the appearance of your smile but also your overall health.

The Consequences of Missing Teeth

One thing to know is that the jaw needs all of your teeth to maintain its durability and structure. Your natural chewing motion stimulates the jaw so that the brain learns to send nutrients to keep it strong and healthy. With a missing tooth, you lose that stimulation, and the jaw will slowly begin to deteriorate without receiving the nutrition it needs.

Another consequence is that when you have a gap in your teeth, the other teeth around it will start to shift to fill in the hole. This shift will lead to a misaligned smile and bad bite.

Lastly, missing teeth can lead to premature aging. To maintain its structure, the face needs all of your teeth. Without one or more of them, your skin will start to sag and lead to premature aging.

Dental Implants For Tooth Replacement

Dental implants are an excellent tooth replacement option, and Dr. Arucan-Masunaga, in Wahiawa, HI, can custom-fit them for your smile. The reason they are recommended is that they are successful at every age and can last a lifetime.

Dental implants are made of titanium screws surgically placed into the jaw bone and topped with a crown. To prepare for their permanent placement, your dentist will perform an oral exam that may include X-rays of your mouth. Then, they will measure, color match, and fit your dental implants to ensure they are comfortable and natural-looking.

The benefits of dental implants include:

● Comfortable
● Long-lasting
● Durable
● Aesthetically pleasing

If you are ready to restore your smile, you should see a dentist you can trust. So call and make your dental implants consultation appointment today with Dr. Mildred Arucan-Masunga, located in Wahiawa, HI, at (808) 622-0001.