After performing an extraction, your dentist may suggest that you replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. Here are a few reasons why:

Jawbone Stimulation

When a natural tooth is in place, pressure from chewing is transferred from the crown of the tooth to the tooth root and subsequently, to the bone of the jaw. This transference of pressure has a stimulating effect for the bone.

When a missing tooth is replaced with a dental implant, stimulation of the bone at the extraction site is still performed. As a dental implant is installed, it is drilled into the jaw bone. The titanium rod or screw that comprises the implant is still able to transfer bite pressure once it is topped by an abutment and a dental crown.

Jawbone stimulation is important, because it incites the production of new bone cells. When new bone cells are not produced, the density of the jawbone can suffer. This decline in density is associated with teeth becoming loose in their sockets and eventually falling out. In addition, a reduction in jawbone density can give the face a hollow or sunken appearance.

Reduction in Dental Misalignment

Teeth can become misaligned when they shift out of place. Due to the close setting of most teeth, there is not enough room for teeth to migrate. However, when a tooth is lost, the resulting space provides enough room for teeth to begin to shift out of position.

Dental misalignment can be corrected using orthodontic devices. However, unless the spacing in the mouth is reduced, straightened teeth can shift back out of position.

A dental implant fills in the space that was left by the extracted tooth.

Preservation of Your Appearance

Once a tooth has been extracted, the appearance of your smile may be altered. Gaps left in the mouth can make your teeth appear less attractive. A dental implant can be installed to fill a gap. In addition, the dental crowns that are used to top the dental implants can be matched to the color and shape of your natural teeth. Thus, the dental implants match your natural teeth seamlessly.

In many cases, the dental crown that is selected is made of porcelain or porcelain-over-metal. The translucent sheen displayed by porcelain is difficult to discern from that of natural tooth material.

If you would like to have a missing tooth replaced using a dental implant, consult with a dentist in your area.