If you are thinking about getting dental implants, you should get your mouth evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. Not everyone can be a good candidate for implants, and your Fort Myers, FL dentist can determine if you are. Also, waiting to get implants to replace your missing teeth can lead to further issues down the road. Here’s why you should not wait to get dental implants:

Your Remaining Teeth May Move

When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can begin to tilt or slide. When this happens, you will have uneven teeth as the opposing teeth erupt out of place while they search for a biting partner. Installing an implant in a gap improves the look of your smile. Also, it helps keep your teeth in place.

You Can Lose Jawbone 

Missing teeth can lead to bone deterioration, which can jeopardize the adjacent teeth’s integrity. In fact, it can also affect your future implant. Waiting can worsen jawbone resorption. In addition, bone shrinkage will alter the shape of your mouth, facial profile, and overall look. Thus, you must consider getting an implant as soon as possible after you lose a tooth. 

Bite Shifting Can Damage Your Teeth

Losing a tooth in the back of your mouth may not seem like a big deal. However, as your adjacent teeth shift, there will be a change in your biting relationships. This can result in irregular wear patterns on your teeth’s chewing surfaces and dental work. Over time, it’s likely for your enamel to become flat as other dental issues develop due to damaged crowns and fillings. 

A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. While dental implants offer functional benefits, they can also boost your self-esteem. You must speak with your dentist about teeth restoration options before your other teeth can begin to break down. Otherwise, you will require additional treatments to restore the health of your smile.

You Could Suffer from TMJ Pain or Disorder

Bone density loss and tooth shifting can change how you bite and chew. When this occurs, your jaw joint will function irregularly, potentially resulting in chronic TMJ pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and headaches. A dental implant makes it possible to preserve the space between your teeth to eliminate the risk of adverse impacts on your TMJ. Waiting to get implants to replace missing teeth can result in TMJ disorder, which is harder and more expensive to treat.