03
Apr
Are You Aware Of The Negative Impacts of Not Replacing Missing Teeth?
Losing a tooth can be more than just a cosmetic concern. It can affect your oral health, speech, and confidence. If you’ve wondered whether replacing missing teeth is necessary, you’re not alone. Dr. Ricardo Andrade, Dr. Denisse Montalvo, and the team at Dynamic Dental in Sacramento, California, often discuss the long-term implications of tooth loss with patients and how professional dental implants can be a game changer. Below, we answer some of the most common questions on the topic.
What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth?
When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, leading to misalignment and bite issues. Additionally, the jawbone in the area where the tooth was lost can start to deteriorate due to lack of stimulation. This bone loss can affect the shape of your face, leading to a sunken appearance over time. Misaligned teeth can also make cleaning more difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
How does tooth loss impact my jawbone health?
Teeth provide essential stimulation to the jawbone when you chew. When a tooth is missing, that stimulation is lost, leading to gradual bone deterioration. Over time, this can weaken the overall structure of your jaw and potentially impact adjacent teeth. Bone loss can also make future tooth replacement options more challenging. Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves jawbone health by mimicking the natural tooth root.
Can tooth loss affect my ability to eat and speak?
Yes, missing teeth can make it difficult to chew certain foods properly, which may lead to poor dietary choices and nutrition issues. Hard or chewy foods may become uncomfortable, forcing you to avoid them altogether. Additionally, gaps from missing teeth can cause speech changes, such as slurring or whistling when talking. This can impact your confidence in social and professional settings. Dental implants restore full function, allowing you to eat and speak confidently without discomfort or embarrassment.
Are there aesthetic concerns with not replacing missing teeth?
Absolutely. Beyond functional issues, missing teeth can affect the appearance of your smile and facial structure. Over time, the lack of support from teeth can cause facial sagging, making you look older than you are. This change in facial aesthetics can impact self-esteem and social interactions. Dental implants not only fill in the gaps but also help maintain your natural facial shape. They are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth, providing a seamless and attractive solution.
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How can dental implants improve my oral health?
Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants don’t require altering nearby healthy teeth. They function like natural teeth, maintaining proper spacing and preventing further bone loss. You invest in a solution promoting long-term oral health and stability by choosing implants. Properly cared-for implants can last for decades, making them a cost-effective and reliable choice.
How can I explore my tooth replacement options?
If you’re ready to explore options for replacing missing teeth and maintaining oral health, Drs. Ricardo Andrade and Denisse Montalvo at Dynamic Dental in Sacramento, CA, are here to help. You can reclaim your smile and confidence with advanced dental implant solutions tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today at (916) 256-2500 or visit www.dynamicdentist.com to schedule your consultation.
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Dr. Ricardo Andrade and Dr. Denisse Montalvo – the Dynamic Dental team
Husband and wife duo Dr. Ricardo Andrade and Dr. Denisse Montalvo head the Dynamic Dental team.
Dr. Andrade received his undergraduate degree in Genetics with a minor in Spanish from Long Beach State University and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California San Francisco. He completed hundreds of hours in continuing education courses before establishing his family and cosmetic dentistry practice in Sacramento. He is keen to introduce the latest advancements and technologies in family dentistry, implants, and orthodontics at his practice.
Dr. Montalvo has over 19 years of experience and continues taking educational course and specializes in cosmetics, therapeutic Botox and implant dentistry. Dr Montalvo graduated with a Zoology major from Auburn University, from which she received a full athletic scholarship for fast pitch softball. She received her doctorate degree from UCSF, University of San Francisco dental school where she met her husband Dr. Andrade.
Dr. Andrade and Dr. Montalvo have two kids and enjoy their time off with their children, traveling to new countries on dental missions. Their adventures include Cusco, Peru, in 2023, Rosarito, Mexico, in 2024, and planning a trip to Guatemala in 2025.